Is there anyone happy out there

niallo27

I have being reading these thread on here for a long time now and rarely post, but i was just wondering is there anyone happy out there, everyone seems so miserable on here. Is the recession such a bad thing if you have a stable job, yes my money is at the same level as it was 3 years ago despite a few pay rises but this has being offset in so many other ways, my shopping is down, my house bills are down, luxury's are down in prices, i mean you can bargain for nearly everything now.

Now my point is i know everything could go belly up for us, but at the moment me and the missus have stable jobs and are living well within our means. If i was was to worry about losing my job every day ill be in an early grave. Is the recession such a bad thing if you can keep your job??????

kippy

Some people are really happy - the guys who got and are still getting away with it, the bond holders and anyone but FF.

Personally, I am happy enough.
I've my health, a wife I love, our own house, a relatively stable job, good friends and a lifestyle I've worked hard for.
Very annoyed about the first point though.

lmimmfn

Actually im much happier with irish people now, i hated in the boom times everyone asking you when youre getting on the property later or "you'd think you would have bought a house by now". All the nonsense with everyone having a new car, stupid insanely expensive hand bags and everyone trying to be better than the Jones's.

Most of that crap is gone now and i think people and communities are closer and people are cash concious again. It actually seems more normal now than in the boom times( excluding NAMA on the news every day and the crazy unemployment problem )

View

niallo27 wrote: »

I have being reading these thread on here for a long time now and rarely post, but i was just wondering is there anyone happy out there, everyone seems so miserable on here.

I understand that the receivers are so happy that they all think they have died and gone to heaven. The Celtic Tiger years were sooo depressing for them.

nadir

Yeah the recession is great, it will make prices more reasonable over time which can only be a positive thing.
I've had a good job for the past 6 years in IT as an engineer, but could just barely scrape by in the boom. I actually ran up a loss, and I never spent anything, never bought a car or a house or any luxury goods, bar maybe a pc and a TV.
It can only get better too, as soon as the country defaults or is forced to cut back, public sector wages will be drastically reduced, with lots of redundancies I'd imagine. A second housing crash, I mean it will just go on and on, I might even be able to afford an apartment of my own in the near future.
Recession rules!

CCCP

lmimmfn wrote: »

Actually im much happier with irish people now, i hated in the boom times everyone asking you when youre getting on the property later or "you'd think you would have bought a house by now". All the nonsense with everyone having a new car, stupid insanely expensive hand bags and everyone trying to be better than the Jones's.

Most of that crap is gone now and i think people and communities are closer and people are cash concious again. It actually seems more normal now than in the boom times( excluding NAMA on the news every day and the crazy unemployment problem )

Well Put, I agree 100%

@OP yes I am very very happy.

I have my health, my family are fed and have a roof over their head. I am married to the love of my life.

Things are good, I didn't get rich in the boom and I haven't lost anything in the recession.

itsnotmyname

same here i guess , but i'm conscious that not all people are in the same boat. We did'nt gain anything during the celtic tigers years....anything we got was from saving hard. All the while going to the pub and listening to friends trying to decide between a villa in Spain and a house in Bulgaria:( For once we did a relatively clever thing ....by doing NOTHING , and not trying to keep up with the Jones'es. We have nothing, and we owe nothing .....but its all about survival .....and no sour grapes !

Sesshoumaru

lmimmfn wrote: »

Actually im much happier with irish people now, i hated in the boom times everyone asking you when youre getting on the property later or "you'd think you would have bought a house by now". All the nonsense with everyone having a new car, stupid insanely expensive hand bags and everyone trying to be better than the Jones's.

Most of that crap is gone now and i think people and communities are closer and people are cash concious again. It actually seems more normal now than in the boom times( excluding NAMA on the news every day and the crazy unemployment problem )

+1

But also add people talking about their net worth... thank god I don't have to listen to that rubbish anymore.

Saadyst

It's good that there are of course people out there that are still safe and secure and happy. I'd like to count myself as one of those people.

But the country won't be going anywhere anytime soon (infrastructure, development, progress) because of the fiscal situation - and although we are happy in our own homes - we really must shrug off the mindset that as long as we personally are fine, what does it matter?

Tim Robbins

I'm glad the wedding abroads craze has ended.

It was nothing more than a sad attempt to keep up with the Jones'. A mate gets married great but try not make me have to pay €1,000 flying to some meaningless pretty village in Spain or Italy to do exactly the same as what you could have done in Athlone: have a ceremoney, have a meal, have a band, have a DJ, make a few speeches. I don't care if the flights are cheap. The days off work aren't. The taxis to the airports aren't. The extra money you need for a meal out the day before and the day after aren't.

Did you ever hear about Germans getting married in Galway? No. Did you ever hear about French people getting married and bringing over 100 people with them to Wicklow? No. Who else does this cr*p. No-one but the stupid Irish.

If a wedding in Ireland isn't good enough for you. Maybe living here isn't either. Get lost. Leave the rest of us in peace.

wylo

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I'm glad the wedding abroads craze has ended.

It was nothing more than a sad attempt to keep up with the Jones'. A mate gets married great but try not make me have to pay €1,000 flying to some meaningless pretty village in Spain or Italy to do exactly the same as what you could have done in Athlone: have a ceremoney, have a meal, have a band, have a DJ, make a few speeches. I don't care if the flights are cheap. The days off work aren't. The taxis to the airports aren't. The extra money you need for a meal out the day before and the day after aren't.

Did you ever hear about Germans getting married in Galway? No. Did you ever hear about French people getting married and bringing over 100 people with them to Wicklow? No. Who else does this cr*p. No-one but the stupid Irish.

If a wedding in Ireland isn't good enough for you. Maybe living here isn't either. Get lost. Leave the rest of us in peace.

lol, nice random rant

Seth Brundle

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

But also add people talking about their net worth... thank god I don't have to listen to that rubbish anymore.

You hung around with the wrong people. If I was about to endure some dick telling me their net worth, I'd have promptly said STFU and walked off!

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I'm glad the wedding abroads craze has ended.

It was nothing more than a sad attempt to keep up with the Jones'. A mate gets married great but try not make me have to pay €1,000 flying to some meaningless pretty village in Spain or Italy to do exactly the same as what you could have done in Athlone: have a ceremoney, have a meal, have a band, have a DJ, make a few speeches. I don't care if the flights are cheap. The days off work aren't. The taxis to the airports aren't. The extra money you need for a meal out the day before and the day after aren't.

Did you ever hear about Germans getting married in Galway? No. Did you ever hear about French people getting married and bringing over 100 people with them to Wicklow? No. Who else does this cr*p. No-one but the stupid Irish.

If a wedding in Ireland isn't good enough for you. Maybe living here isn't either. Get lost. Leave the rest of us in peace.

The weddings abroad (in my experience) were done to reduce the cost on the couple and not really a sad attempt to keep up with anyone else.

dan_d

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I'm glad the wedding abroads craze has ended.

It was nothing more than a sad attempt to keep up with the Jones'. A mate gets married great but try not make me have to pay €1,000 flying to some meaningless pretty village in Spain or Italy to do exactly the same as what you could have done in Athlone: have a ceremoney, have a meal, have a band, have a DJ, make a few speeches. I don't care if the flights are cheap. The days off work aren't. The taxis to the airports aren't. The extra money you need for a meal out the day before and the day after aren't.

Did you ever hear about Germans getting married in Galway? No. Did you ever hear about French people getting married and bringing over 100 people with them to Wicklow? No. Who else does this cr*p. No-one but the stupid Irish.

If a wedding in Ireland isn't good enough for you. Maybe living here isn't either. Get lost. Leave the rest of us in peace.

I completely agree - but I don't agree that that craze has ended. I've been to one foreign wedding last year and 2 this year. All 3 were extremely expensive and I won't be attending any more. They're nice and all, but I've no job at the moment, and to be honest, we want our holidays (which are few and far between), to be our time, instead of being dictated by others. I'm sure it's great for the bride and groom, but in a way, it's quite selfish aswell.

As for the happiness....yeah I suppose I am happy. I know I've posted around here about how irritating and frustrating politics is and everything.But when I switch Boards (or the internet) off, I do enjoy life. I'm living with a man I love to bits, in a house I love, and I like the little things in life! I have my music, and while I really really want to be working, I suppose I'm learning to slow down.

I like the fact that people are no longer in such a rush to get one better than everyone else. That it's now totally okay to be driving a car that's 7 years old (although was driving one that was 10+ years old during the recession!). I like that the price of clothing has dropped slightly, that early birds are available in almost every restaurant, and/or, there's good deals available for meals out.And mostly that people are preared to stand up for themselves when they feel they are getting ripped off.

Hopefully we're finding our humanity again.Instead of being money-crazed lunatics!

Spudmonkey

kbannon wrote: »

The weddings abroad (in my experience) were done to reduce the cost on the couple and not really a sad attempt to keep up with anyone else.

There I have to disagree. It was a status thing. Nothing got to do with the keeping the expense down.

In much the same way that people didn't buy huge 4x4s for safety but for "dong" comparison competitions. Thank god those days are finally over. We may finally get a bit of humility back again.

Unwilling

YES - I am happy. But like you we did nothing throughout the celtic tiger. We bought our house in dublin 11 years ago, just at the very start of the boom so we owe relatively little on the mortgage (by comparison to some €2,200 a month mortgages)
We both have jobs, although they are contracts - we have jobs!
We live within our means
Manage to get a holiday in a year
Run two small cars
put a few bob in the bank.

Although I am very aware of some friends who are really struggling to make ends meet. Pay cuts, job losses etc.
So I count my blessings every day and recognise that I am lucky.

THE fact that I avoid as much as possible listening or reading about the economy, politicians, Nama, what they spent, wasted or convaluntant plans they have next... helps enormously.
I find when I am subjected to this information I immediately get annoyed and frustrated and angry...........


SO I'm afraid, in my case ignorance is bliss and I am just fortunate that I can stay in ignorance due to my circumstances.

wylo

I was in my teens and early twenties as this fake boom really kicked off. I had my family encouraging me to buy a house. I wasnt too pushed, and I admit I did genuinely feel I was missing out on potential positive equity, often mildly jealous of people that did buy. That said, I still felt there was definitely a slight gamble involved as the house prices were absolutely soaring. Instead I wanted to go travel. So I decided instead to take out a 5k loan and go away for a year. I came and started a course , by the time that finished the country was well and truly starting to go down the tubes.

I am now unemployed but actually quite happy. Obviously Id like a decent job, but I am thankful I didnt buy that house, and decided to go travelling, that loan is nearly payed off,and I have no other big debts.

The only thing that makes me unhappy is that I am absolutely sick of being broke, the mention of a wedding/stag/present or any other occasion is stressful. I am already worried about a wedding next month. I dont know how im going to afford the wedding never mind the present.

What really really annoys me is when it is considered "good news" that house prices are slightly on the rise(even though they really arent imo). I know thats good news to all house owners but we really need to get rid of the way of thinking that its good for prices to rise and rise.

I have lots of hobbies and things to do, but sometimes it worries me that I'll get caught up in the long term unemployment trap, its not nice having no job in your late 20s.

fat__tony

I'm in a decent mood.

Because I'm off to Canada in over two weeks.

Wylo, don't sit around here, it'll destroy your mind.

Look at going abroad. I spent almost 8 months in the middle east this year and it was an excellent experience.

It really does broaden ones mind. I suppose if it wasn't for the reccession i'd probably never get the chance to go overseas.

I'm heading to Canada for a year to work and I'm looking forward to it.

My comment was aimed at wylo, I thought he was the OP.

Tim Robbins

kbannon wrote: »

You hung around with the wrong people. If I was about to endure some dick telling me their net worth, I'd have promptly said STFU and walked off!

The weddings abroad (in my experience) were done to reduce the cost on the couple and not really a sad attempt to keep up with anyone else.

My abstract backside...

I went to a wedding on Saturday in Dublin 80 people and I reckon the entire thing was done for under 1,500.

The couple saved a bit but then blew going backwards and forwards 3 or 4 times to have a look at the place.

Anyone I knew who did was fairly well off. They kind of people who took a lot of holidays, changed their car regularly or just liked Italy but of course couldn't be bothered learning to speak Italian or read up anything which went into great detail about it.

It was self indulgence gone mad. To expect 80 people to spend 500 - 1000 each and take a couple of days off for your ceremoney, meal, speeches and music all of which could have been the exact same in Loais.

I'm all for the culture vulture buzz but when a wedding is about locking people in a room for 8 hours, giving them food, music and drink. That can be done anywhere. It's a bit like going to Barcelona and spending your entire time in an Irish pub with Irish people watching the Premiership.

The Jones part kicked in when people like telling people they were going Italy, Spain and then you'd here oh we're going to Portugal -oh wow...

Like I said if it was about saving money, they could have just had a small party / meal / buffet in a hotel - easy.

Saddo's.

I am happy.
Healthy wife and kids and my mum is still going strong.
We'd all like more money, but that's life...recession or not.

Tim Robbins

Spudmonkey wrote: »

There I have to disagree. It was a status thing. Nothing got to do with the keeping the expense down.

In much the same way that people didn't buy huge 4x4s for safety but for "dong" comparison competitions. Thank god those days are finally over. We may finally get a bit of humility back again.

They wanted people to go "oh wow" when they told them where they were having their wedding. Certainly.

And I hated these saddos who somehow thought they were giving people a holiday. For example, you'd here them say well sure we'll have in Italy and then people can have a little holiday.

As if they were giving people a present.

I consider a holiday escapism. I don't want to be reminded about anything back home.

Jaysoose

Tim Robbins wrote: »

They wanted people to go "oh wow" when they told them where they were having their wedding. Certainly.

And I hated these saddos who somehow thought they were giving people a holiday. For example, you'd here them say well sure we'll have in Italy and then people can have a little holiday.

As if they were giving people a present.

I consider a holiday escapism. I don't want to be reminded about anything back home.

Ranting and Raving forum

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ednwireland

reasonably just that any happiness evaporates when people start talking about politics

maybe i should stay away from here !

westtip

dan_d wrote: »

I completely agree - but I don't agree that that craze has ended. I've been to one foreign wedding last year and 2 this year. All 3 were extremely expensive and I won't be attending any more. They're nice and all, but I've no job at the moment, and to be honest, we want our holidays (which are few and far between), to be our time, instead of being dictated by others. I'm sure it's great for the bride and groom, but in a way, it's quite selfish aswell.

l

Why on earth didn't you just be honest with the marrying couples refuse the invite and say we'll have a pint with you when you get back. I got invited to a wedding on foreign shores and just said errr no thanks - its bad enough having to go to a wedding in Ireland (something I generally try to body swerve), but the thought of going somewhere foreign to please some pratts who will be divorced within ten years no f***king way. more fool you! three weddings abroad your'e mad!!! and they probably expected an envelope with a nice cheque in or cash - I think an invoice would be more appropriate.

dan_d

Well, last year's one was okay, because I was still employed, and well, it was last year. The first this year was booked prior to me being made unemployed, and was only to be the one for the year. Also we were aware of both of these up to 18 months in advance. Unfortunately, the third (most recent this year)was a bit of a bombshell - the wedding was within a number of months of the engagement - and is a family member of my OH, who has an extremely small family. So we couldn't pull out. However I do consider it to be to quite inconsiderate. And I also feel I'll be saying no in future. Regardless of who it is.

odnauq

lmimmfn wrote: »

Actually im much happier with irish people now, i hated in the boom times everyone asking you when youre getting on the property later or "you'd think you would have bought a house by now". All the nonsense with everyone having a new car, stupid insanely expensive hand bags and everyone trying to be better than the Jones's.
QUOTE]

And much less drinking. I think people are friendlier now, or maybe they have more time to look around and enjoy each day.

The_Honeybadger

@Op the reason these boards are so gloomy is that most of the regular posters here actually understand the depth of our fiscal problems. I know many supposedly well educated grads who don't read newspapers or watch the news and simply don't understand how bad things may get here apart from poorly informed opinions they hear from friends and colleagues, and have very little grasp of economics or interest in the subject. We have had an avalanche of bad news over the past 3 years and until that changes don't expect the mood to lift here.

That said I know lots of people who have been only mildly affected by the recession, and are perfectly happy, as long as they are alright. The main groups that have been hit by the recession are the newly unemployed, and our recent graduates who can't get jobs, if you are still in employment and haven't had a severe paycut then life should be the same as ever.

niallo27

mickeyk wrote: »

@Op the reason these boards are so gloomy is that most of the regular posters here actually understand the depth of our fiscal problems. I know many supposedly well educated grads who don't read newspapers or watch the news and simply don't understand how bad things may get here apart from poorly informed opinions they hear from friends and colleagues, and have very little grasp of economics or interest in the subject. We have had an avalanche of bad news over the past 3 years and until that changes don't expect the mood to lift here.

That said I know lots of people who have been only mildly affected by the recession, and are perfectly happy, as long as they are alright. The main groups that have been hit by the recession are the newly unemployed, and our recent graduates who can't get jobs, if you are still in employment and haven't had a severe paycut then life should be the same as ever.

Yes i agree with all you are saying, i'm not saying otherwise, i just thought it would be nice for someone to hear a few stories about people who are getting on with life and making a few honest quid, the rescission is not all gloom and doom

wylo

fat__tony wrote: »

I'm in a decent mood.

Because I'm off to Canada in over two weeks.

Wylo, don't sit around here, it'll destroy your mind.

Look at going abroad. I spent almost 8 months in the middle east this year and it was an excellent experience.

It really does broaden ones mind. I suppose if it wasn't for the reccession i'd probably never get the chance to go overseas.

I'm heading to Canada for a year to work and I'm looking forward to it.

My comment was aimed at wylo, I thought he was the OP.

Hey cheers for the advice, Id love to go but I dont even have any savings to do something like that, it would a year of saving and absolutely NO life, im not even talking about drinking. We'll see , maybe ill get some job for a while and save.

The_Honeybadger

niallo27 wrote: »

Yes i agree with all you are saying, i'm not saying otherwise, i just thought it would be nice for someone to hear a few stories about people who are getting on with life and making a few honest quid, the rescission is not all gloom and doom

Yep I know lots of people who are getting on with things and are virtually unaffected, I'm very glad to hear yourself and your wife are in stable employment, that must be great and believe me there are many who would trade places with you in a heartbeat, so I can understand why you are asking what is all the fuss about when you have that feeling of safety. I myself genuinely don't know from one week to the next if this is the week I will be told my job is gone, however I expect it to be gone before xmas. Luckily I have alot of savings and don't owe anybody a penny, but I still get very anxious about the thought of being unemployed, as realistically I won't get another job like the one I have, which I really really like(ed), if I had a large mortgage and car loans etc I would be absolutely petrified at the moment. I was also talking to an SME owner in the service industry today, who is still doing OK but has no bookings whatsoever for 2011 and is owed a small fortune from clients that he is having great difficulty collecting, can you imagine how stressful that must be, he has 11 staff who have also become his friends over the years. The recession is causing alot of people problems, and people are terrified to spend money, I have saved more in the past year than I ever thought possible. If everybody is doing this then no wonder our economy is so depressed. Personally I think people needed to come back down to earth and in that regard the recession is not a bad thing, but I have also seen the stress and anxiety it is causing families who are facing massive uncertainty and it ain't pretty, there are alot of households who are right to be worried. The media are also playing their part in stoking up the doom and gloom, but much of what they say is well founded unfortunately.

Lu Tze

I'm happy - quit my job 2 months ago - i have no debt but not much in the way of savings. I have now been in australia for 2 weeks. Left my last job due to the office atmosphere, we lost around 75% of our staff over 3 years, and the worry on some people of what would happen next pretty much destroyed office morale.

Best decision i ever made. Will get work in the UK when i come back. It was easy for me to do this, i do feel sorry for those who are tied by children/debt and are finding it difficult to scrape by. I wish them the very best