Acquaintance. Used to be a friend. I've know them for around 20 years now. Has made bad financial decision, after bad decision in their life. I'm not entirely sure why, because other than the shit decisions I've watched them make consistently, is an intelligent and reasonably functioning person. I'm not being judgemental btw, all of these decisions have had negative consequences for them and they have discussed this with me.
Sold their house. Fair amount of equity which was pissed up the wall with in 2 years. Moved into private rental, assuming the landlord would do all adjustments they wanted, massively shocked and horrified to discover that only essential maintenance would be done. Was so difficult with landlord that eventually was evicted (legally). Due to being almost homeless was housed by the council (was VERY lucky!) in a lovely flat.
They gradually worked their way up to being massively overweight. Never made any effort to do anything about it. While I have been on diet after diet, joined exercise programs and attempted (and yes, mostly failed) they have just... not. It's a different mindset and I don't understand it.
Eventually this weight gain has started to impact their health. Been on the NHS bariatric pathway twice and pulled out twice. Has been diagnosed with several weight related conditions, been given various support by the NHS (free gym etc) but only availed them as a social thing, not committing to regular exercise.
At work I'd say they've been underperforming for around 10 years. (We used to work together). Some of this was their health, but not all. Mostly disengaged and doing a bad job. Eventually, they were put on a support pathway, and still managed to fail this. So now, they've been given a pay out and medically retired. Is quite capable of doing anything they want (out and about, drives, travels by train, flies, very very sociable. Very active.). BUT due to intelligence (able to manipulate the application) and the health issues is now on PIP. As well as a large work pay out.
I can't help but be bitter. I'm older and have been a lot more responsible. I work really hard, perform well, (still!) am taking responsibility for my weight, am careful with money, have prioritised bill paying rather than profligate spending. And yet, am facing another 10 years of work while this lazy individual has managed to facilitate a massively early 'retirement' all funded by the state.
I KNOW most people on benefits are genuine. I'm a socialist and am very glad we have the system we do. But this person isn't genuine. It's been a life of self indulgence and selfishness. I watch the social media posts and just think... I'd love 1/10th of that life. But I can't afford it.