Tell Me Something............Anything!

[Alex_UK]

I must say, though Marco would hate it, but using Apple Wallet to store my cards has been a revelation - no limit on the amount, no pin, just present my phone, touch the fingerprint reader (or look at it if you have one with face recognition) and it’s done. So much safer than cash or card. Unfortunately the hut at the farm where we get our eggs from is very much cash only though!

Joking aside, I believe some buskers are now getting contactless receivers, as so many less of us carry cash. Smart move.

[Marco]

found it:
https://www.thefrestonboot.co.uk/why-we-are-cashless/

interesting reasons given

All superficially laudable reasons, but IMO, it sets a dangerous precedent. Whilst cash is still widely accepted, and you have cash in your pocket, YOU are in control of your money, not the bank, or whoever controls the bank's computer.

Think about what could happen, if/when the former were no longer the case...

Marco.

[Marco]

I must say, though Marco would hate it, but using Apple Wallet to store my cards has been a revelation - no limit on the amount, no pin, just present my phone, touch the fingerprint reader (or look at it if you have one with face recognition) and it’s done. So much safer than cash or card.

...and SO much easier for the authorities to misuse the technology and rule your finances, if that's what they ever decided was in their best interests!

And yes, I'd detest it!

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

Well that’s true, but I have very little option but to rely on the banking system for the twenty odd Direct Debits and Standing Orders that are set up, so in reality, all I could do is withdraw my “disposable income” in cash. I used to carry a sizeable amount (around £100 at least) but having had my wallet stolen twice and lost once, with the last time my contactless cards being used for multiple small purchases, I’m grateful for the biometric security I now have. I’d rather trust the bank’s computer systems (and that’s saying something from an IT Manager in the Financial Services sector! ) than some toe rag who thieves or finds my wallet... but I do get your point.

[Marco]

Lol, and I totally get yours. However, you and I have very different lifestyles, and therefore different financial habits/behaviour. My lifestyle (semi-retired, no debts, few things to pay) probably allows me to do things that yours simply couldn't facilitate.

For example, how much would doing without a smartphone for a month impact on your life, and how?

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

My smartphone is actually a company one, so I only really use it for work emails aside from it being a phone to take and make calls with, and aside from checking the weather and sport when I’m out and about, that’s about it. I do however use my iPad an awful lot now, but as a laptop replacement. I used to have a laptop in the living room but decided to stop that, as I always ended up surfing instead of watching the program or film on the telly... iPad handy to have in the kitchen for recipes, this place, (Tapatalk) and a bit of other stuff, but actually, I’m not that wedded to technology/gadgets, I get enough of that stuff with my job.

[Marco]

Fair enough, but your job is a major part of your life, and so controls many aspects of it accordingly. One of the things I dislike most about modern living is how employers expect you to be 'connected' (or effectively available and at their beck and call), almost 24/7.

Gone are the days when, if your boss or manager wanted something from you, he or she would have to wait until the following morning when you came into work. Now they just email or text you at anytime of the day or night and expect you to act upon any instructions given!

Similarly, gone are the days when whatever time you finished work, was when you FINISHED work - now for your employer, your (unpaid overtime) services are simply a few clicks away - and that's all down to technology and how controlling it can be, along with a massive intrusion on what should be your free time.

Anyway, mate, I realise that you do what you have to do to survive. Just pointing out that technology has much to answer, as well as be praised for

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

Well in my case, it’s very much swings and roundabouts- yes to a lot of what you have said, but many employers, my own included, are very supportive with wellbeing and mental health/stress and flexible if needed. (One of the few benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic is that I think this has improved in a lot of companies.). I actually prefer to “keep my finger on the pulse” outside of my “official” hours, but my job is slightly different to a lot I guess.

We’re all different and thankfully so, it’s really only a problem if you’re forced into a position you don’t want to be in.

[Marco]

Indeed so, although I think a lot of the stress/mental health issues are brought on by the conditions people have to work under these days, and the amount of hours they're forced to work. There was no need for such 'support' when I was working, as in general the demands placed upon you and the pressure you were put under on a daily basis was less.

I can't comment on how it is where you work, but what I've said is so often the case now, leading to a rather unhealthy work/life balance, and it can cause problems in your personal relationships, especially if you have young kids [the 'daddy's never here, but always at work' syndrome], and they suffer for it, whether you realise it or not.

I think you do a remarkable job in that respect, btw, balancing work with the quality time you spend with Sue and the kids. However, in general work dominates too many people's lives these days and seems to be the main focus of their existence. For example, when you get together to socialise with friends, who also all have demanding jobs, how much of the time does the conversation revolve around work?

When instead you should be leaving that aside, switching off, and concentrating on enjoying yourself and talking about *anything else* BUT work! That is, if you (as in 'one') have a life worthy of the name outside of such, and you were actually TALKING to each other at all, instead of everyone simply being glued to their phones like zombies...

Marco.

[walpurgis]

From Sky News, an industry report suggests "the fuel situation seems to be stabilising and there are signs shortages may be ending". I said it would be over by Wednesday. All caused by the media stirring up panic buying!

Also, the RAC say they are dealing with fourteen times as many breakdowns due to drivers running out of fuel. What kind of idiots just keep driving until they run out of juice? There must be a lot of them. Bonkers!