In an effort to appeal to people on this threads better natures, here’s my super boring, not news worthy story of the time I’ve relied on tax payer support:
I’m 27, so I’ve grown up in a time when the welfare state has been stripped to its bare bones, university fees have tripled and house prices have risen astronomically. (Please don’t try and convince me it was harder before, everyone’s struggle is valid, but if you try to convince me it was hard to buy a house in the 80s/90s I’ll combust).
I struggled academically, and I struggled with decision making (not something I’m going to apologise for at the age of 16/17) so I left school and started working in healthcare assistant roles in the NHS for close to a decade - during this time I paid very little tax due to the low pay. I had my daughter and I realised I couldn’t give her the life I’d had growing up (stable home, holidays, magical Christmases etc.) if I remained on such a low wage. So I decided to go university and train for the career I’d spent the last 7/8 years assisting. BUT and crucially - this would’ve been impossible without the support of those close to me and the noble taxpayer.
my parents gave me a place to live for 3 years, without paying a penny - if this wasn’t available I’d have fallen at the first hurdle because it would’ve been simply impossible to be a student and pay eye watering rent prices.
the taxpayer subsidised 80% of my childcare during this time, again without this I wouldn’t have been able to attend university.
the taxpayer also subsidised my university education by the way of NHS grants - without this my family would’ve starved so again, it would’ve been impossible.
so yes, for 3 years I worked incredibly hard, I had a newborn baby, I breastfed, I did essays, exams, placements, and I worked part time. It was a GRAFT. But being able to work that hard and at the end of it double my salary overnight - with the opportunity for significant pay rises in the future was a PRIVILEGE. If you don’t have people backing you, it’s simply not possible.
I worked hard in my assistant roles too, for very little thanks, long hours and at times mind numbing - I love the people that love these jobs and do it with a passion and heart that I could never find, they are my literal heroes! I now get to challenge myself daily, people care about what I say and think and so often I see the people we really should be listening to ignored - when you call them lazy, or imply they are stupid or didn’t work hard enough in their youth it enrages me. They are some of the most knowledgeable, and most importantly kind people I come across in my career.
its a crying shame that they aren’t paid enough to be self sufficient and rely on government top ups.
people that can work, mostly do. The stories that people tell are fuelled by the media and government to demonise the working class so they have a convenient scape goat.
if you’re earning enough to make a significant tax contribution it’s because somewhere along the line you’ve got lucky, you’ve been able to rely on other people’s kindness (and/or the taxpayer) or you’re privileged enough in the first place to be able to prioritise your career. Yes you also worked hard, but having the opportunity to work hard on something that benefits you is a PRIVILEGE. I can’t stress this any more.
i was able to double my salary and buy my first home this year and take my daughter on holiday. I saw my hard work pay off, my parents saw their kindness and hospitality pay off, and the taxpayers contributions have paid off too - they now have another qualified NHS worker in a field plagued with shortages. And guess what, I pay tax now!!! So all in all, a good investment for society.