Would you be better of on benefits?

Pollycat

MatthewAinsworth wrote: »

My wife is jealous of the benefits people and (though she works) she sees work as optional, and so she has limited sympathy for me getting up at 5:30 or having a tough day

Really?
If she sees work as optional, what does she see as her alternatives?
Why does she have 'limited sympathy' for you getting up at 05:30 or having a 'tough day?

Does she think she would have a better existence on benefits?

Peter333

FBaby wrote: »

Yeah, sorry bad day, however, it was fueled by the not so pleasant responses that OP got, which weren't much better.

I think what I wanted to convey, rather than having a go at posters here, is that the overall stand on benefits on this forum is not a reflection of the overall views of people in real life, at least from my experience. When the conversation comes to this with friends/acquaintance, most people are asking themselves the same questions than OP.

That's OK. I understand. I have days like that fbaby.

balletshoes

MatthewAinsworth wrote: »

My wife is jealous of the benefits people and (though she works) she sees work as optional, and so she has limited sympathy for me getting up at 5:30 or having a tough day

maybe you could get your wife to read fishybusiness' first post on this thread.

System

She does just think "we could just go on the dole like everyone else around here" and that then we would have everything paid for like on the TV and we'd have more time together. I do think its naive, we're not disabled and only have 1 child, and I'd like to have some security after he grows up and some pride in what I've earned, and I don't think benefits will necessarily be livable forever

LilElvis

MatthewAinsworth wrote: »

She does just think "we could just go on the dole like everyone else around here" and that then we would have everything paid for like on the TV and we'd have more time together. I do think its naive, we're not disabled and only have 1 child, and I'd like to have some security after he grows up and some pride in what I've earned, and I don't think benefits will necessarily be livable forever

I thought you would be coining it in by now with all of your investments, meaning that your wife could be swanning around as a stay-at-home-Mum with nothing more onerous to do than cook your dinner and iron your smalls.

Andrew_Ryan_89

I just think the welfare system needs a complete overhaul. I strongly believe that the government should ensure every citizen has housing, food and education. What annoys me however is there are so many people getting the aforementioned for nothing where there is plenty of work that needs doing. Whether it's picking gum of the street, removing graffiti or running on a human-hamster wheel to generate energy, there is something people should do to earn their benefits.

A long time friend asked me about my salary way back when. When I told her and how much I get taxed, she was so shocked and said "I would hate to pay tax". Probably could guess she had 3 children, 20 years of age and never worked an honest job in her life.

coolcait

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

...or running on a human-hamster wheel ...

Eurovision hears you. At 4:03.


There's also a reprise later on.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMgW54HBOS0

fishybusiness

What annoys me however is there are so many people getting the aforementioned for nothing where there is plenty of work that needs doing. Whether it's picking gum of the street, removing graffiti or running on a human-hamster wheel to generate energy, there is something people should do to earn their benefits.

That is an interesting idea. If some of the money that is currently put in to maintaining the benefits system was put in to this philosophy I think it would help some people gain the confidence to work again.

It would change people's routines, change their social interactions and give them experiences they hadn't had perhaps since their last job.

I volunteered whilst on benefits, which turned out to be much more professional than I ever imagined, and it was definitely good for me, changed my perception of my then world. I think there is a place for more people volunteering whilst not working, especially due to the variety of positions available - something to suit most people.

I'v gone back to it now I'm well and working, and most of my volunteer colleagues are either students or retired, I've met but few people that are of working age and struggling to find a job.

Pollycat

MatthewAinsworth wrote: »

She does just think "we could just go on the dole like everyone else around here" and that then we would have everything paid for like on the TV and we'd have more time together. I do think its naive, we're not disabled and only have 1 child, and I'd like to have some security after he grows up and some pride in what I've earned, and I don't think benefits will necessarily be livable forever

Personally, I think your attitude is more palatable than your wife's.

FBaby

Think yourself fortunate you will have a child which will make use of the healthcare and education systems; not all higher rate payers are able to have/want children yet pay the same rate.

I totally agree with you, but two people who are carers/teacher assistant on a FT basis would do ok, not rich, but enough to have some luxuries if living to a budget.

The resentment I believe comes from those on lower paid job who think it is ok to work reduced hours and then get topped up with benefits because of their low income.

People working part-time are rich in one other precious currency, TIME. All my life I have wished to have more of it, time to relax, time to spend with my kids, my husband, my friends. Time to get on with all the other things that needs doing, time that would mean I was much less stressed, pressured, rushed. There are no such things as claiming benefit for time though!

That's why I fail to have any sympathy for those claiming benefits, not on the basis of their low income, but on the basis of them working fewer hours. Maybe we could trade, I provide financial support via my taxes, and they provide free time, doing my ironing and taking my kids to school, that would seem like a fair trade off? Oh wait a minute, no, not only am helping them with my taxes, I have to pay them if I want their service!

Ok, cynical mode again, but the overall feeling is there that it seems that those families are getting their cake and eating it, hence more people working FT starting to wonder if they are mugs indeed, especially those on lower income who are left with barely more disposable income.