In this slogging thread, we discuss the current living crises, facing most of the western world. As prices increase, wages have stagnated or at worst decreased. We analyse the impact of this living crises and its effect on our quality of life.
This Slogging thread by Jack Boreham and Mónica Freitas occurred in slogging's official #random channel, and has been edited for readability.
In the UK, we face a living crisis, with prices going up and wages stagnating or even decreasing. Is money getting tighter for you? Are you seeing your quality of life dip?
"The cost of living hit a fresh 30-year high last month as energy, fuel and food prices continued to soar and retailers reined in seasonal discounts.
Prices surged by 5.5% in the 12 months to January, up from 5.4% in December, increasing the squeeze on household budgets.
Inflation is now rising faster than wages and is expected to climb above 7% this year.
The government said it was taking action but Labour urged it to do more.
Inflation is the rate at which prices rise. If the cost of a bottle of milk was £1 and then rises by 5p, milk inflation is 5%.
Why are prices rising so quickly?
Since pandemic restrictions were eased last year, companies have faced higher wage, shipping and energy costs which they have passed on to customers.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said electricity bills were up 19% in the year to January and gas bills up by 28%."
Jack Boreham, I think this is a general issue. It's the same in Portugal. Wages are meager, and everything is overpriced. That's why it's so hard for young people to move out from their parent's house and all. Rents are higher than ever, asking for a bank loan is almost impossible unless you want a lifetime expense in interest, and buying a house is an unattainable dream.
Mónica Freitas, exactly it's the same here. Would you say more young people live in the cities or say in the country?
Jack Boreham cities for sure or close to them. A big chunk of our population lives by the coast and that is where the busiest cities are.
The countryside has been a bit forgotten but as rent prices in the cities rise, some people are moving back to the country.
The countryside has been a bit forgotten but as rent prices in the cities rise, some people are moving back to the country.
Mónica Freitas That's the same as in the UK. Currently, I live in the country as it's far too expensive to live in the city. Remote working makes all this cost less. In Portugal, are you seeing more people take up online work as a means to pay the way?
Jack Boreham I think there's more openness to remote working though I'm not sure if the numbers have increased. It's better to work for a company abroad or one in your country that pays more and does it from home than relocating and spending way more on rent and all.
I plan on keeping this lifestyle tbh! It makes a better living. How about you?
Mónica Freitas same, although full-time remote positions exist, they are harder to come by than freelance ones and part-time. The problem is you have to start juggling positions. Which makes it tricky. Sometimes they also make you work weekends
Jack Boreham Oh I know. Remote can be awesome, but when you're juggling different remote jobs, it becomes harder to maintain your focus. You have to constantly switch your brain from job to job, from brand to brand. It takes a big of brain elasticity. I've been more successful finding remote positions abroad than in my own country.
Mónica Freitas very true! In a dream world, what would be your ideal job?
Jack Boreham I'm very curious about event planning, especially big music and art festivals. How about you?
Mónica Freitas interesting. I would definitely be an astronaut or secret agent
Jack Boreham are we counting "impossible" jobs? Then I want to be the next Zendaya: singer, actor, dancer, and model 😂