Mumsnet and baby boomers

Couldn't have put it better Absent

Maybe you should write a blog on the subject and submit it to Mumsnet, absent.

I think our generation were more independent as youngsters and didn't expect so much from our parents once we were grown up.

Well said Absent. Have you posted this on Mumsnet?

Very succinctly put. It sums up the experiences of most of us. Unfortunately, I think that if it was posted on MN it would still be picked to pieces.

As you put it 'they have no idea'.

I tend to think and want to say, 'stop moaning, get on with things and make sure your children have the best childhoods they can. This might mean not having everything money can buy.'

x

To be honest, although it's misplaced I can understand their resentment.

Rough sums: a property we bought in 1985 was around 4 x average UK salary; it's currently on the market for around 25 x average salary.

Add to that the plague of zero-contract hours.

Very well said. absent. Please do post on Mumsnet.

I don't think we should be comparing the material possessions of then v now. Or the fact that coal fires were harder work and less effective than setting the timer on gas central heating. We lived uncomfortable lives but better than previous generations.

We had what was available then. So we had a car, fridge, telephone, colour TV. My parents had none of these things until after I left home. They never owned a car. My GM used a dolly tub and a mangle. All this was what was normal for the 'time'.

I can understand why younger adults get a bit pissed off when oldies rattle on.....we never spent money on x,y,z so you don't need it.

I have been over onto MN and they are moaning about the most fortunate of the baby boomers. Some Can't or won't accept that we are not all the same.

Good post absent.

I had better have a look at what mumsnet are saying.

If absent were to post her OP on mumsnet it would be ripped to shreds the mood some are in over there.

I think the fact that she mentions how much she helps her own would rile those that don't get similar. It is jealousy but understandable jealousy if you are a full time working mum, paying childcare, and looking at 70+ (maybe!) retirement age.

They are not getting it all there own way. Some are fighting the BB corner.

Hear, hear absent!

Sorry their!

[Have only read a part so far].

Lots of them dont have envy whuch is good.

The house situation is bad for them, compared to the boomers. But not the boomers fault, which I think most of the younger generation understand?

I can understand their resentment re pensions. Though I dont understand a whole heap about pensions. So someone can correct me if they want to!

I will take a look at the end part now.

Threads like that crop up regularly on MN - I saw that particular one and didn't even bother to read it. They really do have no idea of what life was like and they really don't want to know if you explain.

They know in reality/anecdotally about the few very, very fortunate pensioners who,

Got free university education
Jobs for life
Retired at 50
Gold plated pensions with a generous lump sum
2nd homes
Lots of Holidays
New cars
Helping their own with ££££££ of free loans
Finding the fact they now get WFA and a free bus pass a bit of a laugh

They seem to think this applies to the majority of BB......If only!

uni education - they left school at 14. None went to uni or barely knew what one was.

jobs for life - yes there were a large number of them.

retired at 50 - I know one
Gold plated pension - ^
ditto 2nd home, lots of hols, new cars [with a personalised number plate!], helping own and the rest.
So I know one. And I have to say that he thoroughly enjoyed it!

To be fair I did know several who had free university education and signed on the dole during the summer holidays and no term time jobs either. I wasn't one of them. I started work after O levels and was a bit resentful that I worked long days and paid taxes. My former school friends appeared to be having lots of fun. I hated my mum for not letting me do A levels.

Retired at 50, 51, 52......Several

2 chartered engineers who were made redundant and decided to retire early. Wives were both teachers.

All the policemen and firemen we know retired young
.
Friend who was regional manager of the Midland Bank

Lots of teachers. Most were couples (one secondary/one primary) who retired together or a couple of years apart. They are the only ones in our 'group' who have 2nd homes in Wales/the Peak district.

To balance that out I also know people who will have to work until they drop.

My self employed DB says he will never retire.

Thank goodness they have not latched on to the tax relief you used to get on mortgages up to £30000!

Shall I tell them and stir it up a bit? x

Very good post absent and very well put.

We had what was available then. Marmardoit That is true, however, I don't remember, when we were struggling to pay a 15% mortgage, being resentful of my DP because their house was by then paid for, that they could afford a nice holiday in a hotel in the UK whereas we went camping. Our mortgage when we had to move to the Home Counties because of DH's work was over half of his (not very large) salary.

It's the resentment that is being stirred up that is so disturbing.

I have been reading that MN thread for a few days. Seems a recurring theme. I am glad that Margaret is standing up for herself. Not entirely sure she is real. I suspect she is just on there to goad them.

University education was not totally free. Tutorial fees were fully paid, but living costs were covered by a grant. That was means tested depending on your parents income.

I had friends who's parents owned businesses and only father was the income earner. They had larger grants than I did, as I had two working parents.
No resentment, we were best friends. x

If they are not kind to us we will be tempted to leave our vast wealth to the Dogs' Home - if we haven't spent it all on our own care.