Soldato
So you don't mean scrapping all benefits then
Universal basic income to be trialled
- Thread starter JonRGV250
- Start date
All benefits for those that are able to work, not those with made up excuses. How many people on benefits do you think are able to work who do not? Probably 99% in the UK.
Soldato
Maybe in some bits of the country, not in my circles though. You'd be amazed how many people aren't capable of full time employment year round. Not all disabilities are visible, etc etc
I mean if you're just going to make up statistics I guess it's easy to justify.
All but one of the people I know on benefits do work. The only one that doesn't came out of work after being in full time employment for 16 years; they've been waiting 5 months to get a PIP claim even after a medical diagnosis and being signed off by their doctor. Their UC doesn't even cover their rent and bills.
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Soldato
Some people are like that. It's kinda sad, really, when you think about it, that a lot of people are just lost without work. Whether it be social, or just something to do.
Me, I had a rubbish family, so I basically amused myself when I was a kid, and I do exactly the same now. I don't need work or other people to keep me occupied. But I am surely the minority.
Soldato
That's a very cynical point of view!!
We all know that lazy exist, but their numbers are greatly exaggerated by the media, and the problem with the government is that they do not filter out the lazy from the genuine people who need help. They insist on trying to do themselves, by using unqualified people to tick boxes on a form that applies to almost no one. They should use doctors. Furthermore, they also don't take into account that employers may not want the person. It's all very well saying this or that person can work, it's a different matter entirely getting them a job.
I remember I was talking to someone who works for a government training scheme. She told me that it was absolutely ridiculous the people that the government expected to work. Many were willing, but there was no way they were able, and the more important point was that there was no employer willing to give them a job. Why should they, when where was someone significantly better to give the job to?
The type of people you read about in the news, the lazy scroungers, they have become experts in defeating the governments' system, but there isn't that many of them. The majority of people on benefits are deserving, but they never get in the news. The real failing is the government, not the people.
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Soldato
Definitely, you need some kind of purpose. I remember playing a (RPG?) PC game once many years ago and I found a cheat for basically infinite wealth. All of a sudden there was no need or reason to go doing quests... I lost all interest in the game! I think life could be like that. Granted, there are differences... if I won infinite wealth I could travel and do lots of things that I couldn't without the money, but I think it's a similar thing if you just remove the need to work. I think if I won £2m on the lottery for example, I would probably still work. Sure, maybe I'd drop some hours and take a few extra weeks off here and there, but I think I would want to keep working.
Caporegime
That is how I feel about retirement age. My Grandfather had final pensions with the Army, Fujitsu and the state but still worked part time till he was 78 years old. He lived till 93 so still had 15 years without working. You would be surprised how bored you can actually get without having a purpose. For me I would still like to work a couple of days a week. It is of no surprise how often you hear of celebs killing themselves who have "everything" materialistically but obviously lack mentally. No kids, divorced etc. Just no purpose.
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Caporegime
Well it must be genetic for me because if i have more than 2 days off in a row from my crappy job i start getting bored.
Its different if its a planned holiday or there is actually lots to do, but 2 days of "nothing" is enough....
this coming from a mmo playing kid that had no problem playing pc games for 12h+ a day at one point in my life lol
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Soldato
It's a shame that so many people seem to have been programmed to basically be worker ants. I spent about 4 years working three days a week and finally retired just over a year ago, at 57, and have never been happier tbh.
For me work was a means to an end, and just got in the way of my life, it wasn't my life.
For me work was a means to an end, and just got in the way of my life, it wasn't my life.
Soldato
I'll add that it's entirely possible to have work and not feel purpose. Seems quite a common theme since I switched to remote work, some people try it out and realise it's not for them.
Caporegime
Well for me work is a lot of social life too. I dont exactly know loads of people after moving here but the 20 odd guys i do work with are all very "nice" people in 1 way or another. Ive never been happier with a brainless job with almost no responsibility and the swedish work attitude is just something else after British... So i guess its the social aspect i miss. All the deviant humour and Milfs.
Caporegime
I think many people don't get a chance to actually develop hobbies as work and normal day to day life (especially with kids) means no time for it, so not being in work means they are unable to keep themselves active/entertained.
Soldato
I can totally relate to that feeling. It's not through choice I go to work, it's because the alternative is worse.
As you say, work gets in the way of life. I want to be able to get up in a morning when my body wants to wake up, not by some arbitrary alarm. I want to spend my time doing things I enjoy during the day, not spending it clock watching, thinking about how long is left until I can get home.
Soldato
Oh I think it's at least a hundred and twelfty percent.
What I get concerned about is how outdoor stuff is so important and what happens if I can't do that? For whatever reason.
Seeing as I don't get purpose from work and won't be having kids, I do wonder how I'd mentally cope of (for example) I became physically disabled due to injury or just age.
Seeing as I don't get purpose from work and won't be having kids, I do wonder how I'd mentally cope of (for example) I became physically disabled due to injury or just age.
Caporegime
I think you may be making that number up...
Soldato
This.
Its why some places now actively encourage a reduction in work week a couple of years before retirement.
So people have some time to start off finding what they enjoy doing and developing it.
Its fine if you can afford it of course!
I really hope when I get to that age there is one of them mens sheds nearby where its got metalworking and woodworking etc
Soldato
Maybe it's different depending on how you feel about your work? I've never really worked a job I've not enjoyed doing. I make friends quite easily and maybe I've just been lucky to work with great people the last 20 to 30 years? There were large periods of time I would look forward to going into work each day.
It's also going to be very different depending on what you do in your time off and how busy you are I guess. If you do have loads to do, yes, I imagine work is a pain and gets in the way.