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Ordinary everyday things I no longer know how to do

(233 Posts)
Vintagejazz Sun 10-Apr-22 09:27:27

I just realised today that even if I was minded to look for a job I wouldn't have a clue how to go about it.
When I was job hunting jobs were advertised in the paper and you sent in your CV or requested an application form, filled it in and posted it back. Then you waited for a letter saying you had or hadn't been called for an interview.

That all seems to have changed.

What other ordinary things would posters not know how to go about in this digital age.

I'm not even 60 yet shock

Chestnut Sun 10-Apr-22 09:32:06

My daughter pays in a shop or restaurant with her watch. She doesn't carry a bank card. I really wouldn't be able to cope with that!

FannyCornforth Sun 10-Apr-22 09:33:08

I have started to vaguely but regularly worry that if there was a cyber terrorist attack;
and the internet went down;
I would be well and truly up a certain creek without a paddle

Cabbie21 Sun 10-Apr-22 09:35:27

Every job seeker needs a mobile phone these days. Universal Credit is arranged by phone, and the journal has to be kept by phone, so a smart phone is not a luxury.
I am much too old to be a job seeker but I would not want to be without my phone, though I rarely make calls on it. It is also a camera and a torch, as well as a source of information and communication.
I would miss my ipad even more if It broke.
I can do without Netflix, or a tumble drier.

Boz Sun 10-Apr-22 09:36:42

I am getting unfamiliar with real money; always tapping a card or making a bank transfer so consequently scratching in my car tray for bit of cash for car washes. Even a cup of coffee can be tapped for.

Coastpath Sun 10-Apr-22 09:49:21

I have no idea what those QR codes are all about.
I can't operate our TV. We have three remotes and I don't know what they all do.
I've only learned how to turn the brightness up on my mobile phone last month when the nice lady at the Albert Hall ticket office showed me how to do it so she could check my ticket.
The new light bulb classifications are beyond me.

The modern technological world is a blur for me.

Jaxjacky Sun 10-Apr-22 09:52:27

I use cash regularly, I can pay by phone or card, but I’m aware there are those who can’t so I’m doing my bit to keep cash going for them.
I do most of everything on the internet and am very comfortable with it, zoom for book club, Twitter for news, WhatsApp or Signal for group chats. But I also make phone calls, post cards and use the local butcher and farm shop in person. My iPhone and iPad I consider necessities.

FannyCornforth Sun 10-Apr-22 09:56:00

Coastpath I recently treated us to a swanky Sky Glass TV (and it’s navy blue ?)
You literally talk to it and tell it what you want to watch.
After four months I still have to explain to DH how to use it, every single time ?

FannyCornforth Sun 10-Apr-22 09:56:37

I don’t know what QR codes are either

Rosalyn69 Sun 10-Apr-22 09:58:29

I can’t use the TV remotes at all. ☹️

Coastpath Sun 10-Apr-22 10:20:58

FannyCornforth My husband has written me instructions on how to use the TV and I still can't do it! I'm hoping it's a matter of my lack of interest rather than intelligence.

Love the sound of just being able to talk to your TV and love the idea of a navy blue one even more - why are they all so unrelentingly black?

MissAdventure Sun 10-Apr-22 10:23:26

I can't do all the diy anymore.
If I manage to make it up a ladder, my belly gets in the way .
If I move the ladder to accommodate my belly then I can't see from that far away. blush

FannyCornforth Sun 10-Apr-22 10:25:24

MissA you made me proper lol! grin

volver Sun 10-Apr-22 10:26:27

QR codes are just fancy barcodes.

MissAdventure Sun 10-Apr-22 10:27:56

I can't understand catch up tv, and I don't know how to put the subtitles on it (or off)
I can't retune it, and I have to hold it right up to my face to find the 3 or 4 buttons I do understand.

MissAdventure Sun 10-Apr-22 10:31:25

I also get emails which need to be signed and returned.
How the hell am I supposed to "sign" an email on a mobile phone?

Chewbacca Sun 10-Apr-22 10:39:28

With your finger on the screen MissAdventure! Your signature will look nothing like your real one; more of a squiggle!

Kim19 Sun 10-Apr-22 10:51:49

Well..... I was given a lovely bicycle recently. Thought all I had to do was get on board and pedal off with past proficiency. Not a chance. I seem to have lost all powers of balance and confess to not understanding this at all.

midgey Sun 10-Apr-22 11:18:31

I went swimming the other day…..sank like a stone!

Callistemon21 Sun 10-Apr-22 11:19:01

Chestnut

My daughter pays in a shop or restaurant with her watch. She doesn't carry a bank card. I really wouldn't be able to cope with that!

I squint if I look at my mobile, let alone a watch.

MissAdventure Sun 10-Apr-22 11:22:28

I just hint that I may be blind if anyone tries to make me do tech stuff. smile
They're never sure whether to insist or not.

Callistemon21 Sun 10-Apr-22 11:23:07

I have no idea what those QR codes are all about.

Apparently the codes on the new stamps are full of exciting things we never knew we needed and we will have to pay more for the privilege of receiving something we never wanted in the first place!

Zoejory Sun 10-Apr-22 11:23:43

I can't write any more. I gaze at the pen I've picked up. Almost a foreign object. I put it to paper. End up with a nasty ham fisted scrawl. I only have to write birthday and Christmas cards these days and it's so difficult.

I used to be rather nifty with calligraphy. Now my handwriting looks like a 4 year olds done it.

Callistemon21 Sun 10-Apr-22 11:24:38

Yes, my writing has got worse.
I thought it was old age but it's lack of practice.

Chewbacca Sun 10-Apr-22 11:24:50

I've just attempted to put full make up on for the first time since I retired a year ago. I seem to have lost the knack. ?