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I wanna be a Rockstar!
7:17am Friday 4th July 2008
Comments (68)
By Beckie Wolf »
WITH teenagers across Swindon anxiously awaiting their exam results in the next few weeks, many will be thinking about their future careers.
The learning and Skills Council recently undertook a poll of 2,500 students, which showed that popular career choices for young people included TV celebrity, famous pop star and Premier League football player.
A shocking one in four of the teens surveyed believed that education was unimportant in pursuing their future careers.
The least popular career choices were sales, manufacturing and military.
- But what do you think, should our teenagers have more realistic goals? Have your say below
Your Say YourSwindon
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:29am Thu 3 Jul 08
I didn't! I wanted to be a bus driver!
Frontier(s), says...
11:29am Thu 3 Jul 08
Let's face it, now more than ever, kids just want to be rich and famous without ever actually doing anything.
The sad thing is that by the time they wake up to the fact that it isn't going to happen they're probably faced with a crummy job (as they didn't study), life on benefits or, if they're female, just have a baby and ensure a flat/house and money for nothing.
That's Britain, 2008 style.
The sad thing is that by the time they wake up to the fact that it isn't going to happen they're probably faced with a crummy job (as they didn't study), life on benefits or, if they're female, just have a baby and ensure a flat/house and money for nothing.
That's Britain, 2008 style.
steve-o, Swindon says...
11:32am Thu 3 Jul 08
Dont forget tho Emz on her own admission she considers herself a A list star that make her more than 5 minute of fame lol
Ankh, Morpork says...
11:35am Thu 3 Jul 08
Unfortunately with the ever growing rubbish on TV, Big Brother, X Factor etc. Many young people are deluded into thinking its an easy way of becoming rich and famous. Admittedly some have made it but 99% disappear and are forgotten about. Children must be taught that you dont get anything in this world for nothing and you have to work for it. A good education is the best start.
paulgreenhood, swindon says...
11:46am Thu 3 Jul 08
This is fine, at the end of the day whats wrong with having a dream I did and I've done well. OK fair enough Im not a famous film star, however when I left school I went right into work didnt even think about college. And now I'm reasonably successful! So I dont think its a bad thing to want to be something as long as they get a job while there going for auditions and things wheres the problem in that?
I dont think uni and those things are all they are cracked up to be, unless you have to go to uni to do your job I think its a waste of time!
I dont think uni and those things are all they are cracked up to be, unless you have to go to uni to do your job I think its a waste of time!
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:52am Thu 3 Jul 08
steve-o wrote:Oi Cheek!!!
Dont forget tho Emz on her own admission she considers herself a A list star that make her more than 5 minute of fame lol
steve-o, Swindon says...
11:53am Thu 3 Jul 08
I agree we all have our dreams and why not , but beg to differ on the uni thing they offer good education , and for say a teacher etc we would want them have that
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:53am Thu 3 Jul 08
LordBelacqua wrote:My mate in bristol does that he earns enough to support his wife, 2 kids under the age of 5, a dog, run a house and still have extra left over for luxuries like expensive gym memberships.
I didn't! I wanted to be a bus driver!
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:56am Thu 3 Jul 08
emmylou83 wrote:Bristol? Must drive for First then - that'd explain the horrific fares they charge! £7.00 for an off-peak day rider in the Bristol area - I nearly fainted! Then I grabbed a passing cab and got to my destination for a fiver!
LordBelacqua wrote: I didn't! I wanted to be a bus driver!My mate in bristol does that he earns enough to support his wife, 2 kids under the age of 5, a dog, run a house and still have extra left over for luxuries like expensive gym memberships.
steve-o, Swindon says...
11:57am Thu 3 Jul 08
emmylou83 wrote:Emma She did tho the other day mate, nothing wrong with bus drivers Daniel as long as they turn up mmm
steve-o wrote: Dont forget tho Emz on her own admission she considers herself a A list star that make her more than 5 minute of fame lolOi Cheek!!!
paulgreenhood, swindon says...
12:00pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Hi Steve - 0,
I agree if your becoming a teacher or a vet and those sort of things then uni is the way forward, however when you get people who go to uni to do drama and film studies and those sort of things I think it's getting yourself in unnecessary debt...
I agree if your becoming a teacher or a vet and those sort of things then uni is the way forward, however when you get people who go to uni to do drama and film studies and those sort of things I think it's getting yourself in unnecessary debt...
Frontier(s), says...
12:02pm Thu 3 Jul 08
emmylou83 wrote:Are you sure?
LordBelacqua wrote: I didn't! I wanted to be a bus driver!My mate in bristol does that he earns enough to support his wife, 2 kids under the age of 5, a dog, run a house and still have extra left over for luxuries like expensive gym memberships.
A quick Google shows that the maximum for the average bus driver is only about £22k per year.
Cwis, Swindon says...
7:38am Fri 4 Jul 08
I think some of the previous comments regarding kids being deluded by TV shows such as X-Factor are spot on. My fiancee auditioned for X-Factor - she's got a good voice but didn't get through. They just look for people who will give good ratings (e.g. rubbish singers).
Back on topic, I do however think it's a good idea to aim high in terms of employment - let's face it, the cost of everything is going up, but are employees salaries? No.
Back on topic, I do however think it's a good idea to aim high in terms of employment - let's face it, the cost of everything is going up, but are employees salaries? No.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
9:11am Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Yes I'm sure. I don't make these things up.
emmylou83 wrote:Are you sure? A quick Google shows that the maximum for the average bus driver is only about £22k per year.LordBelacqua wrote: I didn't! I wanted to be a bus driver!My mate in bristol does that he earns enough to support his wife, 2 kids under the age of 5, a dog, run a house and still have extra left over for luxuries like expensive gym memberships.
Captain Sensible, Near Swindon says...
9:23am Fri 4 Jul 08
I think the Adver need a more up to date photo of our Billie, she's no longer a 'starlet' but actually a grownup woman now. Good excuse to get her picture in the Adver though, only the odious Snelgrove manages to appear in its pages more often.
big boss man, swindon says...
9:36am Fri 4 Jul 08
Emmy, I bet if you were to see you friends financial situation he would be overdrawn, large credit card bills and have loans. Bus drivers do not earn a massive amount of money, so if he is living a luxurious lifestyle perhaps you should think about what is funding it.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
9:43am Fri 4 Jul 08
big boss man wrote:OMG I mean seriously?? People can just be sensible with their money you know? Given that I used to live with them I'd say I know them well. And I was there when credit cards were cut up and when they were refused loans when they got themselves into a lot of trouble. BUT after a year of knuckling down and getting their finances sorted they now are living comfortably.
Emmy, I bet if you were to see you friends financial situation he would be overdrawn, large credit card bills and have loans. Bus drivers do not earn a massive amount of money, so if he is living a luxurious lifestyle perhaps you should think about what is funding it.
I didn't say they lived a luxurious lifestyle, I said they
earns enough to support his wife, 2 kids under the age of 5, a dog, run a house and still have extra left over for luxuries like expensive gym memberships.They have enough to live on and left overs for the occasional take away and David Lloyd gym membership. It is possible you just have to be careful with the spending
Frontier(s), says...
9:54am Fri 4 Jul 08
emmylou, at best your friend is taking home £1400 a month from his job.
Even a small mortgage or rent must be at least £600 per month for a three bed house, with council tax probably another £100 (minimum) on top of that and at least £100 per month for utilities.
That leaves £150 per week, absolute maximum, for food, TV license, petrol and all the other expenses.
I simply cannot see how that can support a family of four and a dog on its own.
Even a small mortgage or rent must be at least £600 per month for a three bed house, with council tax probably another £100 (minimum) on top of that and at least £100 per month for utilities.
That leaves £150 per week, absolute maximum, for food, TV license, petrol and all the other expenses.
I simply cannot see how that can support a family of four and a dog on its own.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
10:00am Fri 4 Jul 08
I know how they do it, I know they don't have loans or credit cards, I'm not going into the ins and outs of their finances but he can bring home anywhere between £500-£750 a week,depending on overtime. If I wasn't such a hazard on the road and could put up with the cr*p from joe public I'd consider being a bus driver
Frontier(s), says...
10:06am Fri 4 Jul 08
emmylou, for an employee to take home £625 per week (the average of the figures you quoted) they would need to be on £46,000 per year.
I am sorry, I do not believe bus drivers earn £46k per year, even with overtime.
As I said before, the max salary I can find advertised on the Net is £22k for a bus driver. Even on double time that'd mean he'd have to work a 60 hour week, every week of the year, to earn £44k.
I am sorry, I do not believe bus drivers earn £46k per year, even with overtime.
As I said before, the max salary I can find advertised on the Net is £22k for a bus driver. Even on double time that'd mean he'd have to work a 60 hour week, every week of the year, to earn £44k.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
10:13am Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) like I said all I know is how they live, I don't sit there and ask my mates how much they earnt that week, I just know how they live and I know he works every hr god sends to provide for his family. I'm not saying he brings home top whack every week and I haven't seen them since beginning of june for all I know it may of all gone horribly wrong. But I do know that he is supporting a family of four and a dog (which cost hundreds and was paid for out of 1 weeks wages) comfortably and without help.
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
10:13am Fri 4 Jul 08
I think schools should offer more career guidance. It might've been 10 years or so ago when i had my 1 hour career interview but all i got was a photocopied page from book and sent on my way.
Perhaps if there was proper career guidance we wouldn't have the benefit culture we have today!!
I fully appreciate that not everyone is 'brains of britain' but why aren't schools encouraging more apprenticeships etc - it's all because of a lack of career guidance
But hey - that's just my opinion!
Perhaps if there was proper career guidance we wouldn't have the benefit culture we have today!!
I fully appreciate that not everyone is 'brains of britain' but why aren't schools encouraging more apprenticeships etc - it's all because of a lack of career guidance
But hey - that's just my opinion!
emmylou83, Stratton says...
10:14am Fri 4 Jul 08
loulouswindon wrote:Well said, I remember my career talk being pretty much the same and mock interview day was just a day to dress up in posh clothes no one took it seriously
I think schools should offer more career guidance. It might've been 10 years or so ago when i had my 1 hour career interview but all i got was a photocopied page from book and sent on my way. Perhaps if there was proper career guidance we wouldn't have the benefit culture we have today!! I fully appreciate that not everyone is 'brains of britain' but why aren't schools encouraging more apprenticeships etc - it's all because of a lack of career guidance But hey - that's just my opinion!
Frontier(s), says...
10:17am Fri 4 Jul 08
Nothing changes. All I remember from my 'careers advice' is some stupid cartoon Bee all over the literature and an interview that went:
"What would you like to be then?"
"I don't know, er, maybe a chef?"
"Right. OK, let me just look through the careers that are available for somebody like you, with your skills and interests...
...ah, here we are, you can be a chef. Here's the 'How to be a chef' leaflet. Good luck."
I'm not, and never have been, a chef.
"What would you like to be then?"
"I don't know, er, maybe a chef?"
"Right. OK, let me just look through the careers that are available for somebody like you, with your skills and interests...
...ah, here we are, you can be a chef. Here's the 'How to be a chef' leaflet. Good luck."
I'm not, and never have been, a chef.
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
10:25am Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Yep - exactly how mine went!!
Nothing changes. All I remember from my 'careers advice' is some stupid cartoon Bee all over the literature and an interview that went: "What would you like to be then?" "I don't know, er, maybe a chef?" "Right. OK, let me just look through the careers that are available for somebody like you, with your skills and interests... ...ah, here we are, you can be a chef. Here's the 'How to be a chef' leaflet. Good luck." I'm not, and never have been, a chef.
It was a waste of a time!!
i just really do think that if there was proper career guidance for school leavers then you would have less people claiming benefits.
Unfortunately some people can't/won't help themselves and need that little extra push - especially hormonal teenagers. But to have someone listen to their interests and help find a career they're passionate about i think could be really helpful!
Frontier(s), says...
10:30am Fri 4 Jul 08
The problem is that many youngsters have worked out that a combination of benefits and dealing a bit of dope to their mates means they can stay in bed til midday everyday and not have to do any work and still 'earn' more than if they worked a 39 hour week in a proper job.
It's the system that's at fault, you can't really blame kids for taking the easy option when that easy option is so readily available to them and there's no longer any stigma attached.
In fact, in some areas it seems kids are considered 'losers' if they actually bother getting a job.
It's the system that's at fault, you can't really blame kids for taking the easy option when that easy option is so readily available to them and there's no longer any stigma attached.
In fact, in some areas it seems kids are considered 'losers' if they actually bother getting a job.
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
10:53am Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:That's a starting salary, and bus drivers are paid a wage. If he's an experienced bus driver, working all hours he can (and he'll be doing more than driving buses as you can't drive more than a certain number of hours), it's not implausible at all.
emmylou, for an employee to take home £625 per week (the average of the figures you quoted) they would need to be on £46,000 per year. I am sorry, I do not believe bus drivers earn £46k per year, even with overtime. As I said before, the max salary I can find advertised on the Net is £22k for a bus driver. Even on double time that'd mean he'd have to work a 60 hour week, every week of the year, to earn £44k.
Pav, Swindon says...
10:57am Fri 4 Jul 08
Let's be honest, judging by the standard of Swindon's schools, the best most kids can hope for is winning The X Factor or marrying a footballer.
As for "careers advice"... if career advisors know so much about getting good jobs, why don't they get one for themselves, instead of working with a bunch of miserable snotty nosed teenagers?
As for "careers advice"... if career advisors know so much about getting good jobs, why don't they get one for themselves, instead of working with a bunch of miserable snotty nosed teenagers?
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
11:05am Fri 4 Jul 08
Pav wrote:I disagree - like i said, not everyone is blessed with brains or intelligence but there are things out there for everyone if they are guided in the right direction.
Let's be honest, judging by the standard of Swindon's schools, the best most kids can hope for is winning The X Factor or marrying a footballer. As for "careers advice"... if career advisors know so much about getting good jobs, why don't they get one for themselves, instead of working with a bunch of miserable snotty nosed teenagers?
Perhaps careers advisors would get some rewarded from their jobs if done properly. i think it would be very satisfying to know you guided someone down a career path instead of pointing them in the direction to get benefits. Not all teenagers are snotty nosed teenagers - some just need the right guidance to unlock their potential!!
Frontier(s), says...
11:06am Fri 4 Jul 08
It is completely implausible.
Please look at this:
http://tiny.cc/admaP
The average wage for a bus driver is only £8 per hour.
In the South West, First pay £7.65 per hour.
Even if emmylou's friend worked 60 hours per week (assuming 20 of those hours are at double time), every single week (impossible due to holiday/sick leave) he would earn £33,280 before tax.
After tax his takehome would be 24,650.80
That works out to around £1,900 a month.
As I said before, I fail to see how that can support a mortgage/rent, utilities, council tax and all the other expenses for a family of four.
And he clearly won't be earning that much, no matter what you claim.
Please look at this:
http://tiny.cc/admaP
The average wage for a bus driver is only £8 per hour.
In the South West, First pay £7.65 per hour.
Even if emmylou's friend worked 60 hours per week (assuming 20 of those hours are at double time), every single week (impossible due to holiday/sick leave) he would earn £33,280 before tax.
After tax his takehome would be 24,650.80
That works out to around £1,900 a month.
As I said before, I fail to see how that can support a mortgage/rent, utilities, council tax and all the other expenses for a family of four.
And he clearly won't be earning that much, no matter what you claim.
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
11:11am Fri 4 Jul 08
Can't believe we're questioning someone who's earning an honest living!!!
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:15am Fri 4 Jul 08
loulouswindon wrote:Thank you!!!!
Can't believe we're questioning someone who's earning an honest living!!!
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
11:38am Fri 4 Jul 08
emmylou83 wrote:I'm a 1983 girl myself Emmylou - we have to stick together!! ;-)
loulouswindon wrote: Can't believe we're questioning someone who's earning an honest living!!!Thank you!!!!
Frontier(s), says...
11:52am Fri 4 Jul 08
loulouswindon wrote:We're not, I'm just saying that the amounts that some people (not the person earning it, remember!) believe a bus driver can earn are quite ludicrous.
Can't believe we're questioning someone who's earning an honest living!!!
Even when presented with the facts about what bus drivers themselves say they earn they still seem to believe otherwise.
Very strange.
Anyway, emmylou herself admitted she doesn't ask people what they earn so we can't be questioning something she's never actually mentioned.
Russ The Manc, Swindon says...
12:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Who cares what the bleeding bus driver earns i couldnt give a t0ss for gods sake drop it yeah.
Because of programmes like X factor, BB and Cribs all kids see is £££££ signs and they dont care how they get it thats what they want. We need to start by capping salaries for people like football start etc as these are obscene..
Because of programmes like X factor, BB and Cribs all kids see is £££££ signs and they dont care how they get it thats what they want. We need to start by capping salaries for people like football start etc as these are obscene..
emmylou83, Stratton says...
12:19pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Russ The Manc wrote:Russ we having a bad day sweetie??? *HUGS*
Who cares what the bleeding bus driver earns i couldnt give a t0ss for gods sake drop it yeah. Because of programmes like X factor, BB and Cribs all kids see is £££££ signs and they dont care how they get it thats what they want. We need to start by capping salaries for people like football start etc as these are obscene..
I have no idea why we were arguing about bus driver salary but it was fun hehe the pouint I was trying to make is that kids should be taught that they can earn decent cash without having to be famous
Russ The Manc, Swindon says...
12:29pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I tottaly agree Emz,take me for instance and no iam not bragging etc before anyone starts. I am a highly trained silk screen print finisher, I used to earn when I first came to Swindon approx £1,000 a week ok I did used to work and 70 to 84 hour week but the money was there. I worked long hours and grafted and I always had want I wanted when I wanted it, but alas I got bored of the hours and the job so I gave it all up as money isnt everything..?
Frontier(s), says...
12:38pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Who cares what the bleeding silk screen print finisher earns i couldnt give a t0ss for gods sake drop it yeah.
:)
:)
Mumstheword, Walcot says...
12:41pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Being allowed to have a dream is better than not being allowed?
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
12:49pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Mumstheword wrote:Very philosophical today mumsie!
Being allowed to have a dream is better than not being allowed?
Mumstheword, Walcot says...
12:52pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I quote Christopher Reeve:
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then when we summon the will,they soon become inevitable.
A friend of mine sent me this text a couple of years back and I have kept it on my moby. If ever I am self doubting and about to try something new, I read this text. If ever I believe I cant do something I text my friend, he tells me I can. Over the past few years I have realised and achieved so many dreams and goals. Before, I had given up having any, because I thought I was worthless. Now I do lots of stuff in the community, have passed exams and become a school governor. I also get to do some writing for the Adver :):):)
Everyone needs dreams. And true friends like this, thanks Pete :)
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then when we summon the will,they soon become inevitable.
A friend of mine sent me this text a couple of years back and I have kept it on my moby. If ever I am self doubting and about to try something new, I read this text. If ever I believe I cant do something I text my friend, he tells me I can. Over the past few years I have realised and achieved so many dreams and goals. Before, I had given up having any, because I thought I was worthless. Now I do lots of stuff in the community, have passed exams and become a school governor. I also get to do some writing for the Adver :):):)
Everyone needs dreams. And true friends like this, thanks Pete :)
Frontier(s), says...
1:03pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Realistic hopes and aspirations are fine MTW, we all need (and should have) achievable ambitions and goals.
However, ridiculous dreams that people put their lives on hold for and which will never, ever happen are dangerous and destroy lives.
As with everything, it'd be great if life was all one big fairy tale but a sense of realism is what's necessary.
Look at the last serious of X Factor - there was an morbidly obese, deeply unattractive young girl on there who plainly couldn't sing a single note properly, yet her entire family (and her) genuinely believed she had talent and could be a star.
Dreams are one thing, delusion is another entirely.
However, ridiculous dreams that people put their lives on hold for and which will never, ever happen are dangerous and destroy lives.
As with everything, it'd be great if life was all one big fairy tale but a sense of realism is what's necessary.
Look at the last serious of X Factor - there was an morbidly obese, deeply unattractive young girl on there who plainly couldn't sing a single note properly, yet her entire family (and her) genuinely believed she had talent and could be a star.
Dreams are one thing, delusion is another entirely.
loulouswindon, Swindon says...
1:28pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Dreams are one thing, delusion is another entirely
Realistic hopes and aspirations are fine MTW, we all need (and should have) achievable ambitions and goals. However, ridiculous dreams that people put their lives on hold for and which will never, ever happen are dangerous and destroy lives. As with everything, it'd be great if life was all one big fairy tale but a sense of realism is what's necessary. Look at the last serious of X Factor - there was an morbidly obese, deeply unattractive young girl on there who plainly couldn't sing a single note properly, yet her entire family (and her) genuinely believed she had talent and could be a star. Dreams are one thing, delusion is another entirely.
couldn't agree more with this!
Russ The Manc, Swindon says...
1:39pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Hey Frontier at least I was speaking fom experience about earning a good salary without being famous. You were juts ranting on and on about a bloody bus driver you even searched the web to find out the correct salary saddo. As for the girl you mentioned on X Factor apparently she went away has had singing lessons and is expected to try again this year bet your looking forward to that now lol.....
Russ The Manc, Swindon says...
1:46pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Hey Frontier at least I was speaking fom experience about earning a good salary without being famous. You were juts ranting on and on about a bloody bus driver you even searched the web to find out the correct salary saddo. As for the girl you mentioned on X Factor apparently she went away has had singing lessons and is expected to try again this year bet your looking forward to that now lol.....
Frontier(s), says...
2:18pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Yes, sorry Russ, I must apologise about doing some simple research into what I put in my posts, rather than just simply ranting on about what I think to be the case.
Russ The Manc, Swindon says...
2:43pm Fri 4 Jul 08
But you were doing research on something that had nothing to do with this story. You then tell people like Emz that she must be wrong, why is she who are Mr Knowitall,you just assume you know because you researched it the internet doesnt know everything get a life..?
Frontier(s), says...
3:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08
OK Russ - how's this: I know a mate who's a shelf stacker at Tescos and gets £90k a year.
It's absolutely true because I just told you it is.
Do you believe me?
If not, why not? Unless you've ever been a shelf stacker at Tescos, how do you know what they're paid?
Ah, yes, you'd have to ask someone or do some research.
Or, of course, you could just keep talking out of your ****.
Emmylou mentioned that he bus driver mate seemed to get a very decent wage. I'm not a bus driver and don't know any, where else might you suggest I look to see what sort of money they earn if not the Internet?
In fact, what people earn IS very much to do with this story, which is why emmylou mentioned it in the first place.
Please, stop jumping to the aid of people that don't even need your help. It's a bit embarrassing for you.
It's absolutely true because I just told you it is.
Do you believe me?
If not, why not? Unless you've ever been a shelf stacker at Tescos, how do you know what they're paid?
Ah, yes, you'd have to ask someone or do some research.
Or, of course, you could just keep talking out of your ****.
Emmylou mentioned that he bus driver mate seemed to get a very decent wage. I'm not a bus driver and don't know any, where else might you suggest I look to see what sort of money they earn if not the Internet?
In fact, what people earn IS very much to do with this story, which is why emmylou mentioned it in the first place.
Please, stop jumping to the aid of people that don't even need your help. It's a bit embarrassing for you.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
3:13pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) leave Russ alone its getting childish now. and I have a mate that works in tesco on nights he gets £14k a yr :o)
And I can completely understand why Russ came to my "rescue" because you did essentially say I was lying and that there is no way my friend could possibly earn that much, without producing his payslips or getting him here (which would be hard as he's driving a bus in Bristol)I can't prove it therefore you have to take my word for it. I do get fed up with having to defend myself pretty much everyday. I don't do facts and figures its not who I am, but I do know what I am talking about.
And I can completely understand why Russ came to my "rescue" because you did essentially say I was lying and that there is no way my friend could possibly earn that much, without producing his payslips or getting him here (which would be hard as he's driving a bus in Bristol)I can't prove it therefore you have to take my word for it. I do get fed up with having to defend myself pretty much everyday. I don't do facts and figures its not who I am, but I do know what I am talking about.
oldcrone, swindon says...
3:35pm Fri 4 Jul 08
goodness frontier...you are like a dog with a bone that wont let go..Trouble is you go to such great lengths to 'prove a point' that you will do it even when its obvious that the post has come from an honest personal observation, that is bordering on the edge of being ...and I know you aint going to like this....bullying!
Frontier(s), says...
3:48pm Fri 4 Jul 08
No, emmylou, all anyone ever suggested was that maybe it wasn't your friends pay packet alone that funded his living costs.
Lots of people have loads, credit cards etc. it's hardly a sin.
As for bullying, I doubt it. All I was trying to do was to clarify a statement that was made that didn't quite seem to add up to what the figures were that I was easily able to find.
If I made a statement as if it were fact and somebody noticed the reality seemed very different, I'd be pleased if they brought it to my attention.
Lots of people have loads, credit cards etc. it's hardly a sin.
As for bullying, I doubt it. All I was trying to do was to clarify a statement that was made that didn't quite seem to add up to what the figures were that I was easily able to find.
If I made a statement as if it were fact and somebody noticed the reality seemed very different, I'd be pleased if they brought it to my attention.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
3:50pm Fri 4 Jul 08
No, emmylou, all anyone ever suggested was that maybe it wasn't your friends pay packet alone that funded his living costs.
Yet after I told you they didn't have any other means of income except the obvious benefits they are entitled too what with having children you still carried on.
Frontier(s), says...
4:01pm Fri 4 Jul 08
And that's why it seemed so strange.
Maybe we should all just accept what you say without question emmylou - would that make you happier?
Maybe we should all just accept what you say without question emmylou - would that make you happier?
Justice, Swindon says...
4:02pm Fri 4 Jul 08
When the adver still insists on parading soft-**** actress (and **** award winner) Billie Piper as something to inspire to, you know things aren't great.
john c, swindon says...
4:03pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote,
Frontier(s), YOU may not be able to handle your finances well enough to support a family on average wages but the most of the population can.
BTW I earn less than £30,000pa and can pay my mortgage/ household bills support a family of 6, run 2 cars and have a two week foreign holiday each year and still keep a zero balance on my credit card and no overdraft..
After tax his takehome would be 24,650.80
That works out to around £1,900 a month.
As I said before, I fail to see how that can support a mortgage/rent, utilities, council tax and all the other expenses for a family of four.
Frontier(s), YOU may not be able to handle your finances well enough to support a family on average wages but the most of the population can.
BTW I earn less than £30,000pa and can pay my mortgage/ household bills support a family of 6, run 2 cars and have a two week foreign holiday each year and still keep a zero balance on my credit card and no overdraft..
emmylou83, Stratton says...
4:03pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Yes, yes it would. :o) I am a woman therefore I am always right :o)
And that's why it seemed so strange. Maybe we should all just accept what you say without question emmylou - would that make you happier?
yeti, swindon says...
4:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08
bus drivers cannot work more than an average 48 hours a week due to european driving laws.the same laws as truck drivers.
i would guess that even wioth overtime the fella would be on around £25,000 tops a year.but frontier you forgot that the family would benefit from child benefits and child tax credits.
i'm sure emmylou was right about him supporting his family on his wage.even if her expalination was a bit confusing(at least she's consistant)
as for the topic in hand.alot of kids at school leaving age have no idea what they want to do.
it was the same when i left school.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
4:07pm Fri 4 Jul 08
i'm sure emmylou was right about him supporting his family on his wage.even if her expalination was a bit confusing(at least she's consistant)
Sorry its been a long week, I know what I was trying to say just my words weren't coming out right.
I always knew what I wanted to do, I wanted to teach, now I can I don't want too :oS
Frontier(s), says...
4:35pm Fri 4 Jul 08
frontier you forgot that the family would benefit from child benefits and child tax credits.
True, but emmylou did say there was no other income.
john c, all I can say is that you must have a very inexpensive mortgage to be able to support six people and two cars on £30k a year.
But I do agree, if your mortgage is cheap, it's possible.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
4:38pm Fri 4 Jul 08
True, but emmylou did say there was no other income.
I assumed you'd realise they had child benefit and the like as you're not stupid
Mumstheword, Walcot says...
5:06pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Yep I agree, it's all a question of balance,as is everything in this life :)
Realistic hopes and aspirations are fine MTW, we all need (and should have) achievable ambitions and goals. However, ridiculous dreams that people put their lives on hold for and which will never, ever happen are dangerous and destroy lives. As with everything, it'd be great if life was all one big fairy tale but a sense of realism is what's necessary. Look at the last serious of X Factor - there was an morbidly obese, deeply unattractive young girl on there who plainly couldn't sing a single note properly, yet her entire family (and her) genuinely believed she had talent and could be a star. Dreams are one thing, delusion is another entirely.
Hmm... Yep, I am feeling rather philosphical today Dan :)
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:25am Thu 3 Jul 08