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[+] -31 points 2 years ago (9 children)

Life is hard. Sadly, the world needs ditch diggers just as much as scientists and actors but young people are bombarded with the whole "be whatever you want" speeches instead of a bit of realism.

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  • [–] 14 points 2 years ago

    I work 50 hours a week picking boxes in a warehouse for a company who times how long I go for a piss. I don't see my kids. I don't see my partner. I barely make enough to make rent each month.

    I don't mind doing a shit job. What I do mind is doing a shit job and at the end of it, being unable to take my kids on a shitty caravan holiday to the south coast because it's too expensive, or having to constantly move house and take my kids out of school because there's no affordable houses to live in.

    So yes. Life is hard. It doesn't have to be though. Anyone who tells you it does is telling you that because they've either already given up, or because they're looking to pull the wool over your eyes so that you give up.

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  • [–] 14 points 2 years ago

    I will never understand how people can say bad jobs are necessary and the people working them should just accept a bad life. If the world really NEEDS ditch diggers don't you think they deserve a decent living? Why should people doing necessary work not be able to afford cost of living?

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  • [–] 9 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    That's an unhelpful statement, to say the least. If it's just as necessary to dig ditches as conduct scientific research, then the diggers would be paid at least enough to sustain themselves. But on top of that, scientists aren't exactly well compensated, either.

    Honestly, I'm surprised that anyone would regurgitate that "life is hard" rhetoric anymore. I understand why Sunak would want people to think that's the only reason this shit is happening, but if you're not in the ruling class and have a vested interest in maintaining your privilege, why would you say that?

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  • [+] 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)
  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago* (2 children)

    Ex software engineer myself, retired do to disability several years ago.

    To be honest. It was a field with higher left of center views then most. In my 30 year career. I only knew a few right wing programmers. Most were more left then myself. (Blair was a tory stooge to let you know where I stand)

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  • [+] 1 point 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)
  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Hmm. Programming is not really that highly paid in the UK. Have to admit that is why I worked in the US so long.

    But you are sorta correct. And the fact that the UK is relatively badly paid compared to software eng jobs in other nations. Added to the media ideals we have seen since the thatcher years. Is likely way so many of the folks I qualified with left the UK to work.

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  • [–] 0 points 2 years ago

    the world needs ditch diggers just as much as scientists

    There are only so many ditch digger jobs to go around, my guy. A diverse workforce is an indicator of a thriving economy, downsizing an economy means loss of that diversity.

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