Must be, our old neighbour quit his job at the bank to become a bobcat operator .

I was thinking I wouldnt mind getting a small dingo. they arent hugely expensive and they seem to be really busy when you call them. Work is mostly mornings, finished by 2ish. wouldnt be a bad life - I wouldnt drive it myself

I'll drive it for you Viv. I think that looks like a great job!

Even Dingos have mobiles? Are they adapted for paws?

At least we don’t have that faux tradie culture here that existed in the UK, where university students would put on bib and brace overalls to go to the pub and talk about being “workers”.

There is an honesty in the sweat of a working mans brow. I have done my time with tradies of all sorts. Rough, hard living, drinking and swearing. They earn their living in an honest way.

Better than a banker in a suit, with al the class of a rat with a gold tooth.

Mmm the rate that some tradies charge for none too profecient work at times, would almost be enough to make a merchant banker blush

Agreed!

That's if you can get one to show up to give a quote. We have been looking for someone to build a retaining wall in front of our house. We could do it ourselves, however we very nearly came to blows when we did the driveway so thought we would pay someone to do it. When you phone they're more than happy to arrange appointments but never bloody show up to quote! I've left work early twice this week waiting for bloody stonemasons to come. No phone call, not even a call back to apologise when we leave a message asking where the hell they were.

Are there any limestone retaining wall builders in Perth NOR who would like to build our retaining wall and possibly save a marriage in the process?

The notion that tradies are ''honest workers'' is absurd. They charge the earth, often do a less than great job and treat the person paying them for the job with very little respect. Not always, but often enough.

Hmmmmm….

Compared to politicians and bankers they are bloody saints, and those wankers sit on their asses in air-conditioned offices.

They may overcharge on occasion – but look at the misuse of Medicare by doctors.

Compared to Public services workers – look at the idleness of state rail, look at the union fosterer misuse of rosters to ensure 3 day weeks etc.

Shop assistants? “Tap tap, excuse me can you put the f##ing phone down and serve me?”

I could go on….

Oh, I'm getting the picture now. You are a ''labeller'', aren't you? I was taking you a bit too seriously. I should have guessed as much from your taunts of ''loser'' and ''failure'' at those who don't like Australia and say so. Now it seems you feel able to describe office-workers as ''wankers''.

Well, you were in the forces from what you say and that usually attracts people who find it hard to respect brains over brawn so it's not a surprise to find that you champion the tradies.

Add Dyslexics to that list...

Yes I was in the forces.

I had an Engineering degree, a Grad Diploma in Economics and an MBA (the latter two from Sydney University) BEFORE I joined.

We had a Corporal with a PhD.

I respect brains. Do you?

Well, not yours.

And as a fully qualified teacher with two degrees and a business owner - yes, I generally do.

So then, respecter of brains, why are office workers ''wankers''?! Cos they have air conditioning and tradies have to work outside in the repulsive Australian sun?

This is interesting. Can you show me where I said Office workers were wankers?

Be careful, I think you are about to defend bankers and politicians.

You will be among a small group of fans my friend.


And as you and I both know, degrees are worthless bits of paper.The MBA was a waste of money. I didn’t find the answer I was looking for.

I found more of it at Duntroon though. Now that did tax my mind.