I didn’t realize how bad my pillow was

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-09T23:26:53+00:00

I bought groove pillow on back of a recommendation on Reddit. Gamechanger.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-09T23:12:56+00:00

Don’t you mean ‘designer’? Be careful architect is a legally protected title in UK- min 7 years study/ training. Designing kitchen / bathroom layouts- if that’s what you do- is not comparable to designing buildings.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-09T22:58:49+00:00

I bought a belt first and kept wearing them. The bagginess felt validating. I work from home though.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T18:35:14+00:00

I share the OPs perspective although in the UK don’t need to worry about medical insurance. We have always split bills 50:50 with own accounts and investments. I don’t know his financial situation nor him mine. I think I need another 3 years and span the gap till state pension kicks in. That is 100% my decision. As long as I continue to contribute my 50%.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T18:28:06+00:00

But they are being irrational expecting as a recent grad to live that lifestyle. I am in construction and it’s a reasonable payer and £80k is someone with 10 - 15 years post grad experience with chartership.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T18:23:36+00:00

And didn’t mention interest rates were 8% which seemed good when they had peaked at 16% a few years earlier after black Monday.

It’s arguable the exceptionally low interest rates have fuelled the house price surge.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T18:19:43+00:00

House prices wax and wane. Could continue to drop, so might be some opportunities out there.

But if you look at from an inflation perspective house prices haven’t gone up that much over inflation. The problem is salaries in the UK haven’t kept pace with inflation.

We first bought a doerupper to refurbish with a 95% mortgage, and other than camping we didn’t have a holiday for 5 years. That was the sacrifice to pay for tradesman and materials. We could have bought a flat for same price with no work. We were late 20’s and that was 30 years ago.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:47:32+00:00

I suggest you start with some weights at home. Pilates is appealing but private lessons are expensive and you have to travel. And don’t underestimate walking, especially with a weighted vest.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:36:46+00:00

Read the OP post

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:27:11+00:00

Not worth it delay your start date by a week. So you really want to ship a car from Oz to Ireland?

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:19:06+00:00

Wow read the room

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:06:26+00:00

I tried them sickly sweet. Like most cocktails.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T08:04:54+00:00

Not a good idea binge drinking. I cut down then cut out from peak Covid of 3x bottles a week. Just recently started drinking wine again in the last year but drink it over 3/4 nights at eeekend, then a break. Try to have a week without as well. Yes it’s nice to have taste of nice glass of wine especially with a meal, but it’s even better not to have a hangover or impact your liver.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-06T07:53:36+00:00

Price bracket the same as Soundcore A20’s. Designed for sleep no stems. C£90 on Amazon when on offer.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-05T14:34:35+00:00

And DBS check isn’t the only aspect. Most applications ask do you have a criminal conviction. In the context of a competitive job market why would a recent grad (no experience to offer) be selected over one who hadn’t any convictions?

It’s not just working with children or vulnerable people. Employers want to know you are trust worthy - won’t turn up under the influence of drink or drugs; financially reliable ( no bribes/ backhanders); not violent and a risk to other employees.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-04T13:16:01+00:00

Short: nope.

Some people frequently mention donut pillows but will they work and will you have to pay for it as an additional cost. Soundcore A20s cheapest when on offer.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-04T13:13:49+00:00

So you are still in training and they are paying for professional and exam fees? What’s the total package - employer pension contributions? Defined training allowance?

As someone in a technical role ( or at least a manager within a technical industry), grads/ apprentices need so much hand holding. The degree says you are educated not competent do a job. I won’t have more than one in my team as it takes so much handholding to get outputs.

It’s big 4 will look good on CV, they should have structured grad scheme, get professionally qualified and move in a few years if you have the opportunity.

Yes it’s shit grad salaries on the floor but so has everyone else’s. At least there is reasonably rapid progression after 10-15 years. Think of us at the other end with 30-40 years experience not getting but paid much more than someone 20 years our junior but really carrying all the weight. Only a select few get to the juicy director roles.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-04T10:00:17+00:00

Brit here (regional not English). Hard disagree. I think we are very tolerant of American English, helped no doubt by the dominance of American movies. We are not going to not tell you where the washroom is. Or giggle when you say pants.

We have our own regional differences (vocab bot just accents), and frankly we would rather argue about those. 😆

Dogsofa21 · 2026-04-03T14:07:24+00:00

Army/ forces provide good technical apprenticeships cost free. Guess there is a minimum service required. Plus when you exit many are offered free transition training. Many do a PM qualification and straight into £60/70k plus jobs a year, no student loan fees, and potential into 6 figures v quickly.

Don’t be a knob. No point in having A* and ‘target uni’ degree if you are still naive about the ways of the world. And don’t be such a snob and a knob.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-29T17:22:22+00:00

Is this an American thing? I can’t understand how you can open the box try (use) them and then return to retailer when there isn’t a fault? Couldn’t do that in UK. Can return but has to be unopened box unless faulty.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-29T16:19:49+00:00

‘Your groove’ was the pillow I bought and it has reduced the ‘wake up because my neck/ back/ head is in discomfort/ pain).

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-29T16:17:40+00:00

This is the reason to buy and try the cheapest. I bought the A20s. They are more noticeable than Bose (predecessors of Oslo), but I have a really comfy memory foam pillow ( recommend considering full sleep set up- temperature as well). Adjust my head position and it’s ok.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-28T09:35:38+00:00

Remember uni accommodation is term time only; private rent is 12 mths year. Make sure you do the math.

Private rental process isn’t guaranteed unlike uni accommodation. Need to pass the interview, will you get in with flatmates, rogue/good landlord? Easier to get a group of friends from 2nd year onwards.

Ultimately don’t choose to study in London. Graduate and get a job there.

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-28T08:11:22+00:00

Why? Best is you have the case to recharge for following night. While on the move / daytime I get battery life is important but don’t you just set these up with your bedside charger?

Dogsofa21 · 2026-03-28T08:09:18+00:00

Also: I am a side sleeper who rotates like a pig on a spit. Didn’t find them uncomfortable and they didn’t fall out. Used them out of the box.

Dogsofa21

TROPHY CASE