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Fuck it - the government will look me

666 replies

Phonicshaskilledmeoff · 09/11/2025 09:05

I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the way our country is run. I love my country, but what on earth can I do to fix it? the Rachel reeves pension and stamp duty rumours have tipped me over the edge.

I believe 90% of our lives is the summation of our own choices. Bar (some of) our own (and families) health and tragic life events, there is very little we can’t choose in this country.

I’m not saying that the playing field is fair - I absolutely acknowledge that some groups face structural barriers that make good choices harder. Others are unaware those choices even exist. That’s where government should step in—not to equalise outcomes, but to equalise access to meaningful choice.

I think we all acknowledge that bad governments are ones that take away choices. This government, however is also taking away choice by incentivising bad choices. Policies should nudge people toward self-sufficiency, not make state reliance easier than self-reliance, or rewarding short-term decisions over long-term

Our Government should be working towards equitable availability of choice (not equal - see below) to make sure those choices are as easy and available to everyone. Policies should be in place to make sure people are encouraged to make the right choices.

I increasingly feel like I make the right choices and think what was the bloody point!

I’m going to wish I never paid into my pension soon and went on holiday instead! Should I just spend my money, move into a smaller house and quit my job. At this point I think I’d be better off.

Jargon Buster - EQUALITY - It’s assumed there is a level playing field and everyone gets the same resources. EQUITY - Everyone gets what they need to succeed, which may mean different levels of support.

OP posts:
YesSirICanNameChange · 09/11/2025 21:34

Falseknock · 09/11/2025 21:07

The majority of people claiming in the UK don't want to work. It's crazy politics in this country. Then they go out and vote and blame everyone else when the issue is it's own English citizen's. We need people to come to this country to work but it's not enough to cover the benefits bill.

Who has conducted research into whether people on benefits want to work? The vast majority of people I know on benefits do want to work, but work is inaccessible due to health conditions.

Kendodd · 09/11/2025 21:25

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:32

No idea at the minute, the priority is keeping my home
i am applying left right and centre for jobs
the other job gave me a weeks wage in lieu (they terminated with immediate effect) so I have that and a couple of days holiday pay coming at least
I’ll be fine I’m sure but sick of the judgement over people claiming

What did you do five? And where are you in the country? Maybe somebody on MN can help you find a job?

Falseknock · 09/11/2025 21:07

Woodlend · 09/11/2025 20:41

If you were in the Netherlands you would get 75% of your previous salary in unemployment benefit. In Luxembourg it’s 80% and in Denmark 90%. The states there are able to do that because they’ve instilled a work ethic in their populace. Nobody is wasting time on benefits for ‘my nerves’ or ‘bad back’. They’re out working.

We have the opposite system here were we can’t afford to give you anymore than £400 because we have to share our benefits with so many claimants.

The majority of people claiming in the UK don't want to work. It's crazy politics in this country. Then they go out and vote and blame everyone else when the issue is it's own English citizen's. We need people to come to this country to work but it's not enough to cover the benefits bill.

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:43

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:41

Yes, it’s a fairly small mortgage and I’ve had it a while, I think it’s at 73k now
i bought in 2007

We bought in 04

Woodlend · 09/11/2025 20:43

BringBackCatsEyes · 09/11/2025 16:16

You think people who have SEN and have children on DLA are just not applying themselves? Or do you think they should be living in worse accommodation and just get by on the bones or their arses?
Put all the people with SEN and/or claiming DLA in damp flats!

Nobody wants anyone housed in damp flats, but when people work full time and the only place they can afford to live is damp flats because the state is spending so much housing those who don’t work in nice accommodation you can understand why people would be pissed off. It’s not playing fair.

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:42

Woodlend · 09/11/2025 20:41

If you were in the Netherlands you would get 75% of your previous salary in unemployment benefit. In Luxembourg it’s 80% and in Denmark 90%. The states there are able to do that because they’ve instilled a work ethic in their populace. Nobody is wasting time on benefits for ‘my nerves’ or ‘bad back’. They’re out working.

We have the opposite system here were we can’t afford to give you anymore than £400 because we have to share our benefits with so many claimants.

I’m incredibly angry that a job can take you on and then say 8 weeks later they’re overstaffed and just let you go

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:41

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:36

You can get a mortgage on £28k?

We bought in the 00's but my DC is looking to buy.

Yes, it’s a fairly small mortgage and I’ve had it a while, I think it’s at 73k now
i bought in 2007

Woodlend · 09/11/2025 20:41

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:32

No idea at the minute, the priority is keeping my home
i am applying left right and centre for jobs
the other job gave me a weeks wage in lieu (they terminated with immediate effect) so I have that and a couple of days holiday pay coming at least
I’ll be fine I’m sure but sick of the judgement over people claiming

If you were in the Netherlands you would get 75% of your previous salary in unemployment benefit. In Luxembourg it’s 80% and in Denmark 90%. The states there are able to do that because they’ve instilled a work ethic in their populace. Nobody is wasting time on benefits for ‘my nerves’ or ‘bad back’. They’re out working.

We have the opposite system here were we can’t afford to give you anymore than £400 because we have to share our benefits with so many claimants.

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:36

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:32

No idea at the minute, the priority is keeping my home
i am applying left right and centre for jobs
the other job gave me a weeks wage in lieu (they terminated with immediate effect) so I have that and a couple of days holiday pay coming at least
I’ll be fine I’m sure but sick of the judgement over people claiming

Good luck with applications

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:36

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:26

No and no - I’m single, live and alone and earned between min wage and 28k a year, there was no emergency fund

You can get a mortgage on £28k?

We bought in the 00's but my DC is looking to buy.

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:32

Falseknock · 09/11/2025 20:28

Look into agency work. They tend have all sorts of work. You're going to be piss poor how will you feed yourself properly.

No idea at the minute, the priority is keeping my home
i am applying left right and centre for jobs
the other job gave me a weeks wage in lieu (they terminated with immediate effect) so I have that and a couple of days holiday pay coming at least
I’ll be fine I’m sure but sick of the judgement over people claiming

BionicWomansAnkle · 09/11/2025 20:31

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:13

I have a work ethic Angry from the minute I got a work permit at 13
but I didn’t ask to be made redundant then taken on by a new job and let go after 8 weeks
what do I live on in the mean time, fresh air?
I get £400 which covers my mortgage and nothing else, I’m hardly raking it in
I used the website as I’ve never ever claimed, and I’m already dreading going to the job centre this week for people outside to judge me

You are exactly who the system is for, you don’t have anything to feel judged for at all. It’s people who have abused and politically weaponised the system who are to blame. I hope you get something soon.

Falseknock · 09/11/2025 20:28

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:13

I have a work ethic Angry from the minute I got a work permit at 13
but I didn’t ask to be made redundant then taken on by a new job and let go after 8 weeks
what do I live on in the mean time, fresh air?
I get £400 which covers my mortgage and nothing else, I’m hardly raking it in
I used the website as I’ve never ever claimed, and I’m already dreading going to the job centre this week for people outside to judge me

Look into agency work. They tend have all sorts of work. You're going to be piss poor how will you feed yourself properly.

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:26

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:23

Savings? Emergency fund?

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I hope you find other employment soon.

No and no - I’m single, live and alone and earned between min wage and 28k a year, there was no emergency fund

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 20:23

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:13

I have a work ethic Angry from the minute I got a work permit at 13
but I didn’t ask to be made redundant then taken on by a new job and let go after 8 weeks
what do I live on in the mean time, fresh air?
I get £400 which covers my mortgage and nothing else, I’m hardly raking it in
I used the website as I’ve never ever claimed, and I’m already dreading going to the job centre this week for people outside to judge me

Savings? Emergency fund?

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I hope you find other employment soon.

fivebyfivefaith · 09/11/2025 20:13

Pluto46 · 09/11/2025 14:44

Maybe they have a work ethic

I have a work ethic Angry from the minute I got a work permit at 13
but I didn’t ask to be made redundant then taken on by a new job and let go after 8 weeks
what do I live on in the mean time, fresh air?
I get £400 which covers my mortgage and nothing else, I’m hardly raking it in
I used the website as I’ve never ever claimed, and I’m already dreading going to the job centre this week for people outside to judge me

WildLimePoet · 09/11/2025 20:01

BionicWomansAnkle · 09/11/2025 17:19

If you swap the word privilege for achievement in every Labour supporter’s post, it summarises their core ideology and why it has had a detrimental affect on the U.K. in such a short space of time.

Nail. Head.

WildLimePoet · 09/11/2025 19:59

BionicWomansAnkle · 09/11/2025 18:06

They know they’re a one term party. If I’m right, then the plan is to continue to cause financial chaos and force a few million more people to become state dependent under the hopes they save a couple of seats.

Yes, Labour like to expand their voter base by increasing the number of people on handouts.

CoralPombear · 09/11/2025 19:52

I’d say it’s more about the educational requirement than the income. A university lecturer for example would be an occupation you’d put in the middle class but that person would probably earn less than a builder, which you wouldn’t necessarily.

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 09/11/2025 19:49

I’m pretty sure it’s not 80k immediately.

Rrfdssf · 09/11/2025 19:48

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 09/11/2025 17:46

I have no idea. I don’t think train drivers would class themselves as such. Bobbys on the beat certainly never were.

£80k to drive a train. Very good

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 09/11/2025 19:05

Train drivers no because one of my mates is studying to be one currently. Looking at the income bracket I guess we are saying HGV drivers are middle class and many tradesmen.

CoralPombear · 09/11/2025 18:35

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 09/11/2025 17:46

I have no idea. I don’t think train drivers would class themselves as such. Bobbys on the beat certainly never were.

You need a degree now to be a teacher or police officer, not sure about train drivers. Even more lovely potential student debt.

Livelovebehappy · 09/11/2025 18:26

Phonicshaskilledmeoff · 09/11/2025 17:35

I don’t think people are sufficiently educated about it all unless they have a decent work pension. I knew nothing about pensions until they did a session about it at work.
How we had to learn about Pythagoras theorem in school but not basic financial products is beyond me.
Perhaps it’s better now - I hope so.

I recall when I was starting work at 18, a good few years ago because I’m mid 50s now, my company had made it compulsory for staff to pay into a private pension. Had I had a choice though, I would have opted out, because I think when you’re young you don’t even think about getting older. You want the extra money for your social life. But how glad I am now that it was compulsory, or I’d probably not have started paying in until many years after.

Kendodd · 09/11/2025 18:15

bottledboot · 09/11/2025 15:49

It's the working poor, not the rich, middle earners, the pensioners, disabled or unemployed who have been completely and utterly failed by this country

As a group current pensioners have not been failed by this country, the young have.

Yes, you're right, the working poor and the young are the ones who have been failed so much.