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Irish people and time keeping...

12357

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,058 ✭✭✭✭Abi


    hondasam wrote: »
    The op is not completely innocent either Abi.
    I dunno Sam. I think she's guilty of generalizing, yes. She hasn't called Ireland a shit hole for starters. She's complimented the country a few times. All I can see is someone who was guilty of of tarring the Irish with the one brush, on a matter I don't really think is that offensive. She's just given back what she's getting in the thread so far as I can see.
    Racism might be a bit strong imo.

    Think ya might have to have a wee look back, there are a couple of posts that are way out of line if you ask me.
    Don't immediately jump to the defence of the OP.

    What the hell are you talking about?


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    Yahew wrote: »
    some of those are inaccurate ( racist? hardly). Fair comment is acceptable.

    Sadly I've heard the Irish described as all the above over the years. Probably all true within Irish society in minority cases.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    I too, am driven insane by lateness. I'm always on time, usually early, and I expect the same of others.

    I've been in the USA for almost 20 years and it came as a blinding revelation to me where I moved here that americans are the same as we consider the Irish.

    Californians are desperate. Time means nothing to them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,388 ✭✭✭gbee


    For starters gbee, wtf? [/LIST]

    OK, Ireland is a big, BIG island. It separates weather the way land masses do. Check out real Islands like Bermuda etc.

    To use a black brother's colloquialism 'We're some big mother***island"


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭Yahew


    InTheTrees wrote: »
    I too, am driven insane by lateness. I'm always on time, usually early, and I expect the same of others.

    I've been in the USA for almost 20 years and it came as a blinding revelation to me where I moved here that americans are the same.

    Californians are desperate. Time means nothing to them.

    Have you lived outside California? Because, while I found the same in California, I can't talk for the rest of the US ( Its clear California is its own cultural Island).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,165 ✭✭✭✭ejmaztec


    If you think the Irish are bad, try organising furniture delivery in Arabia!

    I thought that furniture there consisted of a big mat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    gbee wrote: »
    OK, Ireland is a big, BIG island. It separates weather the way land masses do. Check out real Islands like Bermuda etc.

    To use a black brother's colloquialism 'We're some big mother***island"

    Its really not that big an island. I mean compared to the tuft of an island in some connemara lake perhaps it is, but if you browse the world map its pretty average. The one to the east of us is much bigger for a start.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭Yahew


    InTheTrees wrote: »
    Its really not that big an island. I mean compared to the tuft of an island in some connemara lake perhaps it is, but if you browse the world map its pretty average.

    Its the 20th largest in the world, which is nothing to be sniffed at ( since there are hundreds, or thousands).

    It is still, however, an Island.


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    gbee wrote: »
    OK, Ireland is a big, BIG island. It separates weather the way land masses do. Check out real Islands like Bermuda etc.

    To use a black brother's colloquialism 'We're some big mother***island"

    What about Madagascar then buddy? I guess that's a big BIG BIG BIG island then.

    Ireland is a piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water, therefore an island.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    Yahew wrote: »
    Have you lived outside California? Because, while I found the same in California, I can't talk for the rest of the US ( Its clear California is its own cultural Island).

    I'm in washington state now and its exactly the same. Times are just a rough guide. I constantly get burned by being on time.

    Other than those two it may be a kind of north/south thing.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,418 ✭✭✭✭hondasam


    Abi wrote: »
    I dunno Sam.
    Think ya might have to have a wee look back, there are a couple of posts that are way out of line if you ask me.

    I am guilty of always defending out country when someone has a go at it.
    some comments are out of line agreed,but some posters are like me and hate to see us all tarred with the same brush.

    The op seems to be well able to dish it out so will have to accept what is given back.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,919 ✭✭✭✭Gummy Panda


    Abi wrote: »
    I'm actually more surprised that this thread is still open. A bit of back and forth rib-digging jokingly is one thing. The racism here is both appalling, and actually quite embarrassing.

    Well the OP complained about Irish stereotypes of polish people in another thread then starts a thread saying generalising Irish people having poor time keeping and don't give a shít about working.

    Fair game imo


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    hondasam wrote: »
    I am guilty of always defending out country when someone has a go at it.
    I do too when it's warranted, but if the criticism is warranted, well I'll stand by it - it's not good to be blind to one's faults.
    I don't think the OP tarred us all with one brush - just said they've observed this phenomenon occurring regularly. There's a difference.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    hondasam wrote: »
    The op is not completely innocent either Abi.
    Racism might be a bit strong imo.

    Don't confuse rasism with nationalism or xenophobia. Polish people are the same race as Irish, so no racism here. ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    Biedronka wrote: »
    Don't confuse rasism with nationalism or xenophobia. Polish people are the same race as Irish, so no racism here. ;)

    Is comment actually made me lol for real


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,418 ✭✭✭✭hondasam


    Dudess wrote: »
    I do too when it's warranted, but if the criticism is warranted, well I'll stand by it - it's not good to be blind to one's faults.
    I don't think the OP tarred us all with one brush - just said they've observed this phenomenon occurring regularly. There's a difference.

    I am not blind by my faults at all, personally can't stand people who are late.
    The op has a problem with delivery man, plumbers, electricians, babysitter, there is nothing positive in the op.

    I agree some people are terrible time keepers but there are a lot who are exceptionally good at it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,058 ✭✭✭✭Abi


    hondasam wrote: »
    I am guilty of always defending out country when someone has a go at it.
    some comments are out of line agreed,but some posters are like me and hate to see us all tarred with the same brush.

    The op seems to be well able to dish it out so will have to accept what is given back.
    Well the OP complained about Irish stereotypes of polish people in another thread then starts a thread saying generalising Irish people having poor time keeping and don't give a shít about working.

    Fair game imo


    I'm agreeing with you that its fine with a bit of back and forth stuff. But Dudess managed to catch this before it was edited out
    don't see us rushing to move to your sh*thole of a country.


    That shit is uncalled for.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    1. Give your clients a time maybe 30mins before you really want them to turn up
    2. Leave Ireland

    Give my client? I am the client if I pay!

    I will go for number 3 :

    -call another plumber/electrician when first one has no watch.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,919 ✭✭✭✭Gummy Panda


    Abi wrote: »
    I'm agreeing with you that its fine with a bit of back and forth stuff. But Dudess managed to catch this before it was edited out
    .

    I thought you meant hondasam's first post.

    My bad


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,418 ✭✭✭✭hondasam


    Abi wrote: »
    I'm agreeing with you that its fine with a bit of back and forth stuff. But Dudess managed to catch this before it was edited out




    That shit is uncalled for.

    I agree it is but I think the op is playing us all now.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,358 ✭✭✭Geekness1234


    Biedronka wrote: »
    Give my client? I am the client if I pay!

    I will go for number 3 :

    -call another plumber/electrician when first one has no watch.
    In hindsight, could you not have done that BEFORE the big rant on AH?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    hondasam wrote: »
    there is nothing positive in the op.

    -hmm, interesting.. :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    In hindsight, could you not have done that BEFORE the big rant on AH?

    No, that is my plan for the future. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,058 ✭✭✭✭Abi


    I thought you meant hondasam's first post.

    My bad

    Nope, not at all.
    hondasam wrote: »
    I agree it is but I think the op is playing us all now.


    I think I'm outta this thread to fetch a glass of wine, that's what I think :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    Is comment actually made me lol for real

    -yes? why? :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,358 ✭✭✭Geekness1234


    Biedronka wrote: »
    No, that is my plan for the future. :)
    Good luck with that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,388 ✭✭✭gbee


    What about Madagascar then buddy? I guess that's a big BIG BIG BIG island then.

    Ireland is a piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water, therefore an island.

    Madagascar is in the forefront of the campaign to recognise the fact that it is continental, despite being surrounded by water.

    It's often been described as four countries.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,418 ✭✭✭✭hondasam


    Biedronka wrote: »
    -hmm, interesting.. :pac:

    meaning?

    I think I'm outta this thread to fetch a glass of wine, that's what I think :pac:

    Have two Abi:pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,494 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    bnt wrote: »
    The difference is that African Time doesn't promise more than it delivers, but Irish Time is all about promises that are not kept. In my experience this is a peculiarly Irish phenomenon. If you don't like being stereotyped in this way, don't make a commitment unless you are willing and able to keep it. :cool:
    This is key to the whole thing in my experience. I'm English but lived in Germany and Holland for 21 years before moving here. There, if you're looking to make an appointment to get something installed / fixed / whatever, and they know they won't be able to make it for a few weeks, then they'll damn well say so, and when they do specify a date and time you can be pretty close to 100% certain that they'll turn up on time. Here, it's almost as if they don't want to say no, or to disappoint you, so they make up some bull**** date and time that they know they won't keep to and then keep putting you off when they don't turn up. I find it pretty infuriating even after 10 years here.


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    gbee wrote: »
    Madagascar is in the forefront of the campaign to recognise the fact that it is continental, despite being surrounded by water.

    It's often been described as four countries.

    You can stick feathers on a dog but it still won't be a bird! Madagascar is not connected to Continental Africa by land therefore it's sub-continental & it's surrounded by water therefore it is an island.

    How deliciously off topic we are lol


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Biedronka


    hondasam wrote: »
    meaning?


    -meaning, how you ca make such a silly coment about nothing positive in me... you can, because you know so much about me? :confused:
    Every one would go mad after my last week, the whole week was ruined, day by day only because some people's word means nothing! I have a right to complain about that!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,919 ✭✭✭✭Gummy Panda


    hondasam wrote: »
    Have two Abi:pac:

    Bad influence :mad:

    Soon Abi will be sleeping on a park bench, drinking wine from a carton


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,418 ✭✭✭✭hondasam


    Biedronka wrote: »
    -meaning, how you ca make such a silly coment about nothing positive in me... you can, because you know so much about me? :confused:
    Every one would go mad after my last week, the whole week was ruined, day by day only because some people's word means nothing! I have a right to complain about that!

    I meant your opening post where you targeted a few professions.

    You have a right to complain but we have the right not to agree with you.


  • Registered Users Posts: 159 ✭✭congress3


    UPC - We'll have a technician at your house between 10 and 4.


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    Biedronka wrote: »
    -yes? why? :rolleyes:

    Because it was argumentative but then again when the person it's directed at walks into it then it's too funny not to laugh :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    congress3 wrote: »
    UPC - We'll have a technician at your house between 10 and 4.

    Yeah that's my favourite one the vague time frame! Last time I called out UPC they said they would call between 1pm & 5pm & arrived at 11am lol


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    This thread beings back (happy?) memories of getting a house built in Connemara...

    Actually there was a ruin near us that used to trade hands amongst germans, who each in turn would come over from germany and try to deal with the local builders and eventually give up and sell to other germans.

    No doubt they were thinking the place was a bargain if Germanic standards of restoration were applied.

    Needless to say, its still a ruin some 30 years later...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,688 ✭✭✭Kasabian


    OP, firstly welcome to Ireland, glad we were a country that you thought well enough of to join us. Let me just give you a lesson on Ireland, we are a good country,renouned for our hard work all over the world, renouned for our superior education standards and most of all our mostly relaxed attitude to life.

    I do aplogise that you have been kept waiting, we must include this in our broucher that seems to go out to the rest of the world.

    I recently had an encounter in my job, which in the 12 years I have never been late for, with a fellow countryman of yours. Our senior management wanted to implement some process changes that would have greatly impacted on the lives of their long standing loyal employees.

    The voices of desent were all Irish and we spoke for a collective that is the employees, including your countryman.

    He mistakenly, at the time decided to speak independantly to the management and used the words that "all Irish are lazy".

    His contract is not being renewed, there is a lesson there, "sometimes when in Rome do as the Roman do". You must learn to adapt to your new surroundings and learn the culture and ways of the country you have decided to make your home in. A lesson learned by millions of Irish, through generations as they made there lives in these new countries.

    I do note however that your writing style changes from thread to thread.
    So your skills for adapting are evident.

    Céad Mile Fáilte


  • Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭Shattered Dreamer


    Kasabian wrote: »
    "sometimes when in Rome do as the Roman do". You must learn to adapt to your new surroundings and learn the culture and ways of the country you have decided to make your home in.

    You can sing this from the roof tops & I think it applies the World over. When you move to a different country be prepared to do things differently. Just be happy it's only Ireland we're talking about here people because in some countries you either row in with the native or the law comes down on you.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 500 ✭✭✭parrai


    Biedronka wrote: »
    Sure the title of the thread is making you think it is unfair generalization,

    The title of the thread is "Irish People And Time Keeping"... That is bad enough cause you are implying that lateness applies to IRISH people only, when in actual fact this is not the case. There are people all over this country and the world that are late on a daily basis, through no fault of their own and because you have a life that you are ALWAYS on time for, you have decided to come on here and tar the Irish people with this generalisation... What do you expect?
    Biedronka wrote: »
    So, why is this so difficult for most of you?

    Do you HONESTLY, not see what is wrong with this question?


    To actually quote yourself...

    Biedronka wrote: »
    This simply is not fair, they are chancing it and this is very very bad attitude!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    Would you not agree that culturally we (the general we) are more relaxed about stuff like time-keeping? It's good that we're relaxed I think, but sometimes it can go too far. It really only looks like the OP is making an observation IMO. There are broad social trends applicable to all nations, some good and some bad. I'd be someone who tries not to generalise and instead look at each individual, but in fairness, some group tendencies are undeniable.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 500 ✭✭✭parrai


    Dudess wrote: »
    Would you not agree that culturally we (the general we) are more relaxed about stuff like time-keeping? It's good that we're relaxed I think, but sometimes it can go too far. It really only looks like the OP is making an observation IMO. There are broad social trends applicable to all nations, some good and some bad. I'd be someone who tries not to generalise and instead look at each individual, but in fairness, some group tendencies are undeniable.

    Yes, I totally agree with the fact the attitude to life in Ireland is relaxed. I lived in London for 10 years and ran around with everybody else, and it drove me mental. I came home about 6 years ago, and the first thing I done was dumped my watch! I appreciate time now, as I understand it.

    I have no problem with the OP other than the fact that she says
    Biedronka wrote: »
    So, why is this so difficult for most of you?

    I doubt she has met 2 people, let alone 2 Irish people on boards, this is what struck me when I first read the thread...

    I gave my opinion on the thread a while ago
    parrai wrote: »
    Originally Posted by Biedronka viewpost.gif
    So, why is this so difficult for most of you?
    parrai wrote: »
    Whilst you have a valid point in time keeping and making appointments being important, the problem is your issue with IRISH people when this is a common problem in a lot of trades, in a lot of countries around the world... You just can't generalise like this without getting people annoyed... It make your point sound fascist.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Biedronka viewpost.gif
    It really drives me crazy -almost every single person I make appointment with is not on time!
    People who provide any kind of service and coming to my house, to fix something etc -I try to make appointment with them and I hear -
    between 4-6.. WHAT>??? Are you kiding?I am not going to sit all afternoon and wait for you -forget!

    parrai wrote: »
    In any business that requires a call out, a business can only give a certain time period, because the simple fact is, no-one can predict the way their day will turn out... They can look at the day the have mapped out, and say these jobs will take a certain amount of time and it SHOULD be possible to fit your job in...

    Now I agree, this should be said at the beginning.


    But she called me on my point, so I felt I had to clarify...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 813 ✭✭✭CaliforniaDream


    Biedronka wrote: »
    In Poland, but there is so many Irish people here already, they just keep coming but they are all late. :rolleyes:
    Biedronka wrote: »
    Read my posts again, I live in Ireland.

    Maybe you should read your posts again. Still not sure where you're living now.

    Are you in Poland and hiring Irish workers or in Ireland and hiring Irish workers?
    If you're in Poland then simply hire Polish people. You give the impression that they're never late so you'll have no problem.
    If you're in Ireland then simply tell the person you speak to you need a shorter time frame for when they're arriving and if they don't show up at the agreed time you'll be contracting someone else to do the work.
    Or else, take the good with the bad. People in Ireland may not be strict on time-keeping (as many other nationalities are not) but there are plenty of other great qualities that balance that.
    And for your example where someone rang you and cancelled because his child was sick, your reaction is the 'bad' part of the story for me. Personal matters are a lot more important than work matters.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 19,986 ✭✭✭✭mikemac


    You wouldn't like Italy OP

    Trains on time? Hah, they make CIE look professional.
    Where's Mussolini when you need him

    Laid back and lousy service in the places I went to

    People relaxing and on a go slow

    Ireland is not the best but it's certainly not the worst


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 daisilin


    al28283 wrote: »
    Would you rather the plumber/electrician/whatever leave your house with the job unfinished because he has another job scheduled? Or wiould you rather him finish the job and be a bit late to his next job?

    i think that the plumber/electrician/whatever when he realise that he will be late for his next job to call the guy from his next job and tell him, look i am going to be late 30 min is this ok with you or should we reschedule? and finnish the job he started at your house. i think that should be standard procedure that they inform customer in good time if is going to be delays, apologise and reschedule. saves time for the customer and people will be pleased.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭StinkySocs


    Tazz T wrote: »

    I hate people who are late. What they're saying by being late is that your time isn't as important as theirs, i,e, they're superior to you.

    I totally feel that way too - it really annoys me.
    :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,857 ✭✭✭professore


    Plumbers etc could be late due to a previous job running late. Therefore between 4 and 6 is perfectly reasonable. At least they're honest.

    I'm on time unless something happens beyond my control. If I'm delayed I will always call to let the other party know.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,857 ✭✭✭professore


    daisilin wrote: »
    i think that the plumber/electrician/whatever when he realise that he will be late for his next job to call the guy from his next job and tell him, look i am going to be late 30 min is this ok with you or should we reschedule? and finnish the job he started at your house. i think that should be standard procedure that they inform customer in good time if is going to be delays, apologise and reschedule. saves time for the customer and people will be pleased.

    This sounds wonderful in theory but in practise if they are up to their eyeballs in water with the customer roaring at them and they have to start calling other customers to let them know their going to be late - and then the phone rings out it's not easy. Jobs like this are by their nature hard to predict how long they will take.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 153 ✭✭What? Oh Rly!


    As much as I want to argue with the OP and am annoyed she is calling out the Irish she is right, We are waiting on a guy to clear out our chimney. The landlord said they will be there last Friday so i stayed in all day for him and nothing! Called landlord and she seemed as pissed off as me and said the same thing about the recession and people should be thanking you for work!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 21,191 ✭✭✭✭Latchy


    Dudess wrote: »
    Would you not agree that culturally we (the general we) are more relaxed about stuff like time-keeping? It's good that we're relaxed I think, but sometimes it can go too far. It really only looks like the OP is making an observation IMO. There are broad social trends applicable to all nations, some good and some bad. I'd be someone who tries not to generalise and instead look at each individual, but in fairness, some group tendencies are undeniable.
    That would be my take on it to and the point OP was making .


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