Don't spend for the sake of it. Do something better.

Every year I think it might be different. That there might still be some hope for the future of humanity. Whatever about our corrupt governments, reckless disregard for the environment, mass murder of people in the name of freedom ect...

You know, a few mild reasons to worry about the current fate of the human race.

There are these slight irritants and then there is black Friday.



source

What was once an american phenomenon that we marveled at from across the Atlantic, the disease has slowly spread across the ocean until it has now permeated to the very depths of our society in Ireland.

A country once known for it's history, culture and interesting people people is now just another consumer hub for people to spend their money on unnecessary products. 10 years ago black Friday didn't exist and from there it has exploded until every business now has the black Friday offers and queues outside the door before they open.

I honestly don't get it.
I work in retail and we have been doing offers over the full weekend so i have seen the drama first hand.

1. The company spends weeks advertising these great offers all over the internet and in store.

2. The company has already raised the prices in advance of the sale so that it looks like a better deal.

3. They say while stocks last and send small quantities of these great offers so that they only have to sell a small amount.

4. People turn up and queue outside in the morning but only the first few actually get the best offers.

5. The customers get really pissed off and get angry with the regular staff in store who have nothing to do with these offers other than serve the customers.

6. Company has generated so much publicity that it far outweighs the actual revenue loss from giving the discounts.

7. Everybody complains and rants on Facebook. Gives out shit and then does it all over again the next year expecting different results.

I've seen the same thing happen every year with people going crazy over shit that most of them don't even want or need. When did people get to the stage that things were more important than people?

Ireland was always about people and community. We had a special welcome for everybody and a little banter to go with it.

I know that the country has plenty issues but i wonder when I hear that my generation will never own their own home or that they have no future here. These are the same people queuing outside the store at 6am for a new coffee machine or the latest tablet.

It's sad to say it but people do bring a lot of their troubles down on themselves. It's not always the case but if you waste money on stupid things and go out every weekend, buy takeaway coffees every day, buy lunch every day and burn money it's no wonder that there is nothing left at the end of the month.

Even my manager was asking me today what I bought in the sales on Friday. He seemed shocked when I said "nothing". I told him I didn't need anything......
It was almost like i swore at the man.
"But there were some great deals. You'll want them at some stage."

Not really.

I don't need much in this world to be happy and if your not happy with your life or your future prospects, I hate to break it to you but a new phone isn't likely to fix that.

Maybe next year it will be different. Maybe people will surprise me but somehow I doubt it. Roll on Christmas.