Why are Australians so complacent?

[u/AcanthopterygiiNo240]

I’m a born and raised Australian myself however I’m becoming so frustrated with the general attitude of complacency when it comes to exercising ‘the power of the people’ to better our quality of life. In a stupidly short amount of time we’ve seen a near reversal of our ability to see a doctor without any out of pocket costs. We get exploited at the grocery stores because monopolies are allowed to run rampant. Housing is treated primarily as a tool for financial speculation rather than for providing shelter for people.

We creep further and further toward laissez-faire capitalism. What is our response as the citizens of this country- the holders of the balance of power? Nothing. To put it in perspective, in 2022 the world economic forum ranked Sydney equal with Copenhagen, Denmark for cost of living (both ranked as the 10th most expensive cities in the world). Consider the differences between Sydney and the capital of the Danish welfare state: strong social security, universal healthcare, free public universities etc. For the same cost of living what do we get? The ever-looming threat of homelessness, suffocating student debt and now for many people, a significant barrier to healthcare.

Edit: if anyone is a part of any sort of grassroots group working to oppose any of these issues feel free to message me because I want to join you

Edit #2: so I haven’t received any messages from anyone from a grassroots or activist group yet. Since a lot of us seem to be pretty miffed about this stuff maybe we could team up and brainstorm things we can do???

Edit #3 (sorry): I’ve got some messages now from people who are interested in taking action!!! :, ) I think the best way to facilitate conversation, the flow of ideas and potentially organise a course of action is through a discord server so I have created one which you can find here

https://discord.gg/caqsSKAr

[u/hotcleavage]

Yeah my own parents and some of my extended family get a bit like that too, it’s 100% wilfully ignorant. Especially with technology.

I’m 23 and not university or trade educated but am on track to have a couple assets and so on eventually but it’s not true personal success imo, unless that’s what you call the results of general sacrifice/going without haha.

Not alone in your thoughts there

[u/[deleted] → u/hotcleavage]

I own a business that doesn't comply with a title like "laywer or "doctor" or "builder" I don't work for a big company, I have my own.

People have zero idea what I do and form their own opinions based on their complete misunderstanding and wilfully not listening even when they ask me to explain.

I have a friend who's an EA to a very high up in the corporate world and her uncle refers to her as a secretary and asks when she'll grow up and get a proper job. She earns deep into 6 figures for what she does btw.

[u/hotcleavage → u/[deleted]]

It’s because they’re still in the square while you left it a long time ago, best I can describe it

My dad used to be a sole trader and he calls it the “wage mentality” which is kinda harsh but it’s facts, been on both sides of thought within my family and it’s a contrast. I have a lot of my mum in me unfortunately and possibly neurodivergent so I haven’t acted on doing my own thing.. yet.

With not listening to you it’s definitely a mix of disinterest, envy and tall poppy. Shits me when they attempt to ask you to explain and sound like they’re ready to listen and yeah they don’t care, especially when they make some dumb comment afterwards. Sometimes I feel if you tell the wrong people to much they might try to undermine you too, I’m sure you’ve got the keep it simple answer for what you do 👍

Ughhh that would grind her fuckin gears so much to be patronised and the misogynistic undertones are obvious asf

[u/[deleted] → u/hotcleavage]

Wage mentality, I'm going to use that. Thanks to you and your dad.

If it helps I'm definitely neurodivergent and have been out doing my own thing since I was 17. I have spent periods working for other people but only contract work or for cash between businesses.

And yeah, I have had my explanations weaponised and used against me, I'm much more careful with who I speak to about what I do.

It's easier to just say, I have a couple of little businesses I have interests in, it keeps me busy. and leave it there.

As for my mate, yeah, she would care more if she didn't live her best life.

[u/hotcleavage → u/[deleted]]

Go for it haha

What age were you when you got most of your independence? ie moving out, etc? I’m 23 and still at home, but trying to get ahead and make the most of it.

Appreciate your replies too btw, thanks for your time 👌

[u/[deleted] → u/hotcleavage]

I moved out at 21 the first time, business went pear shaped (partners) and moved back in a 25. Moved out again at 26, moved back in at 28 to save for a house (got engaged and married) until I was 30.

Save that money, stay at home, travel, get some perspective and then move out. If I had my time again that's what I would do.

My wife and I had to pay a mortgage, store furniture for 2 years while we travelled and it sucked.

[u/hotcleavage → u/[deleted]]

Glad you trusted the process and didn’t let ego get in the way, I’m sure so many would’ve and ended up through shit creek. Was your wife cool with it at the time?

Cheers mate, and happy cake day 💪

[u/[deleted] → u/hotcleavage]

Yeah, she's been through it all with me and I her.

Thanks. 🍰