davieG Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 Having done the 40 odd years, 34 with the same company I'm now in the position where no one wants to employ me, I'm either too old or over qualified so presumably they don't want to take the risk that I'd be temporary. I guess I'm lucky, well maybe not just luck because I've worked hard for the moment but always had an eye to the future so although out of work with a basic life style I can just about cope and remain independent, whether I can maintain that in the future is the big concern. Would I do it all again, making sacrifices and doing without to ensure I could get by in the future I'm not so sure. Yes it's great to be self supporting but it sticks in the craw when I see so many people living off the backs of those in work (not that I'm suggesting that's your plan Kareem) and I don't just mean those that can work but refuse to, there's plenty out there who think work is just about ripping people off.
Daggers Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 The only problem is food and houses cost money! ...and wives and children
MC Prussian Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 Yes, I couldn't think of staying in the same job for too long, either. BUT... as long as its demanding and challenging and leaving me a certain freedom on the side, it can't be too bad. Surely, some departments are duller than others, but I wouldn't want to trade in my current job for any other. There are no "career" choices in the field I'm working in (camerawork/editing), but I do learn new stuff each day. I work in a small team and we're all depending on each other, so spirits are high, the pay is nice. Shame I'm currently under a lot of pressure with one particular project I'm working on, but I do see it as a challenge (also a challenge juggling with my private life on the side, as at times it seems like there simply isn't enough time left comes the end of the working day ). All I can say is, whatever you do, make a proper choice, take pride in your job whilst also enjoying what you're doing. I wouldn't want to look back at a life where I was employed for the same company for more than ten years in succession. There comes a point where you've seen it all and a new, fresh environment sets your forces in motion once more. As a consequence, I can't really get some people willingly staying put where they are, suffering from abuse, exhaustion, boredom, procrastination, etc. on a regular basis. Although, I do acknowledge that's all an easy thing to say when you're living a rather care-free life without major commitments like I do and depending on age and/or education, certain paths will remain closed off forever. Yes, I do pay my rent and bills but I can't really complain that I've got it bad. Turn your own ship around.
jonthefox Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 I take my hat off to you kareem. change is the most difficult , yet rewarding thing we can do. good luck in your quest.
iBleedLeicesterColours Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 Firstly good luck to you. I agree about people working more nowadays, i'd like to see what it was like in the 80's where people had more social time e.g. going to the pub and that. People should ask themselves whether they live to work or work to live. Personally I like the idea of a job that I turn up at the startin time and leave at the finishing time, average money and no working weekends because thats what I work for.
Vacamion Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 I just wanted to add that even the chief lager taster at Carlsberg-Tetley, or Kate Winslet's masseur, have their off days. Work, like life, is full of ups and downs... Oh and good luck in your new choice of lifestyle, Kareem.
Benji Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 I've not even started my training contract yet and i've already destroyed two pretty decent relationships in pursuit of my career. At the moment it doesn't bother me too much, what with a new life starting in 2011 and a new scene. But it does make you think what exactly is all this about. Hopefully it wont become a continuous trend and as I say it's way too early to worry about it. But it's admirable to stand up and actually make a change, and not just say you will and chip on with another 10 years of it. At the end of the day it's about being happy, if you get that from your job then work 60 hours a week. If you're not, it's about finding the balance, and I would take a guess that more people struggle to get that balance than don't.
Unit Posted 18 March 2010 Posted 18 March 2010 My brother and a few mates were living together last year, they worked out they could all quit their jobs/uni and go on the dole and have a lot of money to split between themselves each month, none of them did it and now 2 out of the 6 are now living back home with parents. It's a mad world.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 I've got 9 weeks of work left before i quit to travel the world for a while. You always need to have something to look forward to wether it be a good weekend or what ever or the full time work will get you down
ozleicester Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 Good luck in your decision Kareem, as someone else mentioned, just stick with the concept of "No regrets". Remember wealth can be judged in many ways, obviously the society we live in currently judges it by possesions, but a happy life is the most valuable thing you can own. And memories carry no monetary value but they can keep you warm and cheer you up when nothing else can. What is valuable.... love experience respect memories family friends football TIME Ive spent more than 30 years in the workforce now... but its time for a change, time to test the body and the brain. End of this year im coming back to the UK... start again, gather some new experiences and friends. Scary times indeed, but whats life if it isnt for living? All those cliches do apply,.... no one ever says on their deathbed "I wish i had spent more time at work"
Bellend Sebastian Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 I will have been in my current job for TEN YEARS in a week's time. It should be a time for reflection, but I just can't be arsed
lou Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 Good luck in your decision Kareem, as someone else mentioned, just stick with the concept of "No regrets". Remember wealth can be judged in many ways, obviously the society we live in currently judges it by possesions, but a happy life is the most valuable thing you can own. And memories carry no monetary value but they can keep you warm and cheer you up when nothing else can. What is valuable.... love experience respect memories family friends football TIME (/quote] Good list but I would add Health to the top of it!
ozleicester Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 Good luck in your decision Kareem, as someone else mentioned, just stick with the concept of "No regrets". Remember wealth can be judged in many ways, obviously the society we live in currently judges it by possesions, but a happy life is the most valuable thing you can own. And memories carry no monetary value but they can keep you warm and cheer you up when nothing else can. What is valuable.... love experience respect memories family friends football TIME (/quote] Good list but I would add Health to the top of it! Totally correct Lou.. .. health should be up the top... and im sure there are many more things.. those just fell out of my fingers as i typed
Babylon Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 I started work at 17, i'm now 30. After years of working my bollocks off and saving as hard as I can. I'm now in a position where I could work part time for the rest of my life and still pay all of my bills. Sure i'd have to cut back and not have flashy holidays etc, but the chance is there if I want it. Going part time would let me go freelance too and could lead to to working completely for myself, which is where I want to end up. I think i'll give the rat race another 5 years and then it's adios!!!
davieG Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 I started work at 17, i'm now 30. After years of working my bollocks off and saving as hard as I can. I'm now in a position where I could work part time for the rest of my life and still pay all of my bills. Sure i'd have to cut back and not have flashy holidays etc, but the chance is there if I want it. Going part time would let me go freelance too and could lead to to working completely for myself, which is where I want to end up. I think i'll give the rat race another 5 years and then it's adios!!! Bloody hell Babylon suicides a bit drastic have you thought of counselling you never know you could get a life time sickie.
Karljohn Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 Working 40+ hours a week for the rest of my life does not sit well with me. I am not equipped for that. I am 26 years old, and the thought of me doing 40 odd hours a week for the next forty years until I and become a weak and mobility-restricted senior citizen depresses me no end. I think too many people accept the status-quo and just accept that they are destined to get a job in a boring soul-destroying industry doing 40-50 hours a week for the rest of their lives, and whilst we purchase a shitload of useless material goods and services that we don't really need.. It's a system that was designed for us by the powers be. An insane level of aspiration that cannot be met is fostered so that everyone can stay on the treadmill to chase an illusion that one day it might be you with the private jets and a strip club in the basement of your Berkshire mansion. Too many people have bought those fake aspirations and bought into this soul-destroying pyramid scheme. Start at the bottom and you may get somewhere if you work your arse off for 15 years. Right. I quit my job last week and I am working out a plan to simplify my life to the point that I can live comfortably on a relatively small amount of income. It's the only solution I have been able to come up with. Good luck, a quality post! At 35 I have absolutely no desire to work for the company I am currently with, having been elevated to the dizzy heights of "manager" I found most of the decisions were already made for me by so called senior management who are poorly qualified and have no particular skills to bring to the table. They have merely sat working for the same company for 20 years which means they have the position not through skill and know-how, they have just been loyal and able to sit through all the shit thrown at them for the past 240 months of their sad lives. So I took the decision to demote myself, not wishing to spend 10 hours a day at work just for the sake of a new bathroom or to purchase some gadget that will be obsolete sooner than immediately or worse still, be promoted once more because of a inability to say "no". Its "me plc" now, yes I am still working for them but I am also working on a "self employed" way out so I can enjoy the simple things in life without selling my soul to fund some grey suited CEO bonus fund.
RoosterRussell92 Posted 19 March 2010 Posted 19 March 2010 Working 40+ hours a week for the rest of my life does not sit well with me. I am not equipped for that. I am 26 years old, and the thought of me doing 40 odd hours a week for the next forty years until I and become a weak and mobility-restricted senior citizen depresses me no end. I think too many people accept the status-quo and just accept that they are destined to get a job in a boring soul-destroying industry doing 40-50 hours a week for the rest of their lives, and whilst we purchase a shitload of useless material goods and services that we don't really need.. It's a system that was designed for us by the powers be. An insane level of aspiration that cannot be met is fostered so that everyone can stay on the treadmill to chase an illusion that one day it might be you with the private jets and a strip club in the basement of your Berkshire mansion. Too many people have bought those fake aspirations and bought into this soul-destroying pyramid scheme. Start at the bottom and you may get somewhere if you work your arse off for 15 years. Right. I quit my job last week and I am working out a plan to simplify my life to the point that I can live comfortably on a relatively small amount of income. It's the only solution I have been able to come up with. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this post - you have summed exactly how I feel. I've often wondered why most people are so happy to spend the majority of their lives doing something they hate amongst people they probably wouldn't normally choose to spend time with. It's insane and akin to paid slavery in my opinion. What's it all for? To earn something called "money" which if you actually look at it, isn't actually worth a thing and is just printed out of thin air. It's not backed by anything tangible either. The whole system is a complete and utter con, set up to benefit a handful of people. I'm 26 and am going to quit my job too. I have some savings and plan on doing some more travelling. I can't afford a house in this stupid country so I've figured I may as well spend what I have whilst I'm still young enough to enjoy it. The idea of it sitting in a bank account where it is actually worth less and less each year when you take into account inflation doesn't sit well with me. Good luck Kareem and thanks for your post. It's given me a little hope that not everyone out there is a deluded robot trapped by the system.
Koke Posted 22 March 2010 Author Posted 22 March 2010 2 books for you that tie in with this: The four hour work week by Tim Ferris (fourhourblog.com) Escape from cubicle nation by Pamela Slim (escapefromcubiclenation.com) Also reccommend Steve Palvina's blog. It's a brave move, I hope it works out for you. Don't know what your field is but for freelance work check out elance.com which is kinda an ebay for skills. Good luck, something I've wanted to do for ages. Thanks mate. Some very relevant and helpful stuff. Palvina is on the same wavelength as me. I'll check out the the other book as well. I may fall flat on my arse, but I’d rather not live my life knowing I didn’t try because I feared to fail. And if I fear failure, I build the habit of self-doubt and this doubt reinforces itself, which subsequently creates a downhill spiral. Right now, I do some youth work and I also do some freelance work as a translator which generates the stream of income I live on. I'm not a risk taker by nature, but it is what it is.
Koke Posted 22 March 2010 Author Posted 22 March 2010 Good luck, a quality post! At 35 I have absolutely no desire to work for the company I am currently with, having been elevated to the dizzy heights of "manager" I found most of the decisions were already made for me by so called senior management who are poorly qualified and have no particular skills to bring to the table. They have merely sat working for the same company for 20 years which means they have the position not through skill and know-how, they have just been loyal and able to sit through all the shit thrown at them for the past 240 months of their sad lives. So I took the decision to demote myself, not wishing to spend 10 hours a day at work just for the sake of a new bathroom or to purchase some gadget that will be obsolete sooner than immediately or worse still, be promoted once more because of a inability to say "no". Its "me plc" now, yes I am still working for them but I am also working on a "self employed" way out so I can enjoy the simple things in life without selling my soul to fund some grey suited CEO bonus fund. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this post - you have summed exactly how I feel. I've often wondered why most people are so happy to spend the majority of their lives doing something they hate amongst people they probably wouldn't normally choose to spend time with. It's insane and akin to paid slavery in my opinion. What's it all for? To earn something called "money" which if you actually look at it, isn't actually worth a thing and is just printed out of thin air. It's not backed by anything tangible either. The whole system is a complete and utter con, set up to benefit a handful of people. I'm 26 and am going to quit my job too. I have some savings and plan on doing some more travelling. I can't afford a house in this stupid country so I've figured I may as well spend what I have whilst I'm still young enough to enjoy it. The idea of it sitting in a bank account where it is actually worth less and less each year when you take into account inflation doesn't sit well with me. Good luck Kareem and thanks for your post. It's given me a little hope that not everyone out there is a deluded robot trapped by the system. Agree wholeheartedly. Personally, passive income is much safer and more fulfilling than working a job. I just don't want to spend the rest of my life doing soulless work in a soul-destroying industry for a master, who might be nice to me by putting on a professional corporate façade, but who assigns me tasks that are appropriate for the slave that I am. At the end of the day, if I want to quit my job so I can have a life, then I also have to give up the money - and I'm prepared to do that.
Monk Posted 22 March 2010 Posted 22 March 2010 Thanks mate. Some very relevant and helpful stuff. Palvina is on the same wavelength as me. I'll check out the the other book as well. I may fall flat on my arse, but I’d rather not live my life knowing I didn’t try because I feared to fail. And if I fear failure, I build the habit of self-doubt and this doubt reinforces itself, which subsequently creates a downhill spiral. Right now, I do some youth work and I also do some freelance work as a translator which generates the stream of income I live on. I'm not a risk taker by nature, but it is what it is. Good stuff - those books are very good for step by step business / lifestyle design. Also consider that living somewhere like Costa Rica for a while would be dead cheap and loads of fun. You'd actually save money compared to living in the UK. Hoping to make some progress on this myself soon - currently a contractor anyway but looking to expand freelance work and a bit of trading the ftse on the side. I dunno, a bit of a pipe dream I guess.
Guest Basildon Fox Posted 22 March 2010 Posted 22 March 2010 I am being made redundant end of this month. I am planning to start working for myself. Already have some web optimization work on the go so am busy learning HTML coding to set up some developing. Sick to death of working for others anyway. I used to be in sales and it used to irk the shit out of me that even if you made a big sale you would see virtually feck all for it while the fat cat owner used to drive around in a £90,000 Porche. From now on I want to make sure that whatever I earn I keep. Hope you get what you want out of life Kareem because my aim is to be able to get myself to Spain within the next 5-10 years. I will still have to work doing the above but the good thing is doing things like that will allow me to work from where ever I want. I do not care whether I earn a fortune or not. Just want me and the future Mrs Beeblebrox to be happy along with our kids.
Shrenchel Posted 22 March 2010 Posted 22 March 2010 Buy some mepehedrone off research chemicals and sell it to the local students for 20 quid a gram. It's where the smart money is.
Matt Posted 24 March 2010 Posted 24 March 2010 Back in temp work from tomorrow just got a call, tbh the odd days when i'm out of work I do get abit bored but this temp contract basis suits me quite well at the moment, when in work I earn more than enough to cover myself when i'm out of work to do things that I want too, so I can afford to work 3 or 4 weeks then have 2 off sort of thing, It isn't ideal i'd rather be in full time work but at the moment just riding the storm over these dodgy times with work and finances it suits me quite well.
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