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Originally posted by jandjuk
I don't disagree with most you say here dugongs.... a few points however...



No of course people don't find it undesirable - anybody would want those things. What I meant is that many SAer's & Kiwi's/Ozzies don't necessarily know any different - and if they do, then the only way it's gonna to get better is to work harder (grin and bear it if you like). The country's we are talking about are not blessed with the economic advantages Britain has, so the perks and high salaries are unavailable. How is country like NZ to get economically strong if people do not work hard and with long hours? It's part of the culture - people just get on with it. In any case, it's nowhere near the problem it's made out to be (depends on the job).



I don't agree with the facts you give, but I do with the general gist of what you say. The 'more time with the family' dream is a weird and unrealistic fantasy - unless you're planning to semi-retire.



I didn't state only Britain was like that. There's plenty of materialism everywhere you go (myself included). I just meant that in general, because there are less financial opportunities, people generally make do with less - but are just as happy.



Yes plenty of Kiwi's, Ozzies, & SA'ers come to Britain to make money (and for other reasons). But I disagree with 'most people'. There's plenty that never come to Britain and still make a great lifestyle for themselves without the benefit of GBP. In fact I know plenty.

Horses for courses.... that's all

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Originally posted by Munchkin
It's also somewhat hypocritical to state that only brits are material and on a treadmill. Tell that to the young aussies/kiwis I know who work all hours to pay a massive mortgage and kids are left in day care from 7 in the morning to 7 at night. Cannot afford a holiday for years on end.

I am glad you kiwis have been able to make some proper money by leaving your own countries but try and keep a sense of realism in your posts please. Most people have to work using wealth created in england to buy a better lifestyle in oz/kiwiland or europe is the well tried and tested strategy. The problem being most people do not have the cash to achieve it so end up working and find the conditions not up to scratch.


Sorry Dugongs, but I'm English.

I have lived in Aust and NZ though.

Where I've worked overseas I worked long hours so the 'treadmill' isn't peculiar to the UK, but I've certainly seen more of a materialistic culture here.

I feel sorry if that attitude is spreading beyond the CBD in Aust. and NZ. Some folks like that kind of existance, but I'd like to think those countries still provide more varied work oppotunities for folks who aren't bothered about the megabucks, flash car etc.

I had the good fortune to get into private property years ago. I wanted security after tasting the nightmare of renting, and I thought it would be a good investment. And no one could predict the ridiculous increases in house prices in recent year (fuelled by the banks being prepared to give out loans of 5/6 times a person's earnings).

But then no one could predict 9/11 and Joe Public's rush to put his money into bricks and mortar through distrust of the stock market in the aftermath.

I'm now so unsure of the UK housing market that I've invested money into property in the US.

As for Aust: Sydney and Melbourne were always the most expensive places to live (esp. Sydney). I imagine Auckland and Wellington would be expensive now too.

I imagine the idyll of the short working day, stress-free working environment etc. is a pipe dream no matter where one chooses to call 'home'.

:)

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