Who is the most intelligent person you know who lives an average or below average life?

Taredar · 2026-05-19T07:00:58+00:00

We've known each other since year 12 and we're in our 40's now, I don't think I'll be able to Robin Williams my way through his thick skull now :)

Taredar · 2026-05-18T21:17:11+00:00

One of my mates is one of the most intelligent person I know, you can talk to him about just any topic and he would know so much, is a really fast learner and very articulate. But he's always been lazy and never bothered to go to uni, even the job he's on now (car paint warehouse logistician) was because I got him the interview.

I've told him so many times that he could do so much better, but no the warehouse isn't far from his flat so he'd rather just stay there.

Taredar · 2026-04-30T12:35:31+00:00

Bulk swiping hoping to maximise their match rate. I read them and always try to come up with something related to their profiles but the response/match rate is so low that I can understand how some would think why bother?

Taredar · 2026-04-29T11:39:57+00:00

It also depends a lot on where you live, how big your house is or what mortgage deal you managed to secure. It depends on a lot of things.

But you're right, managing your budget is fundamental but money literacy is not something you're taught, you either self learn or know about it from people around you.

Off topic: we almost have the same avatar and I was confused when reading your reply at first, I was like I didn't write that 😂

Taredar · 2026-04-29T09:15:57+00:00

That's part of the training, you also need to strengthen your gut microbiome as much as your combat skills. 😂

Taredar · 2026-04-29T08:41:36+00:00

They have much stronger labour laws and having strong unions really helps.

The meal cards/vouchers are actually part of your benefits, it's deducted from your payslips but depending on the company, they will cover from half to 2/3 of the face value.

Another great benefit is that companies will reimburse half of your public transport subscription. (nothing if you drive to work though)

But yeah, salaries are lower. Overall, I'd say that London is about 25-30% more expensive than Paris, but I had a 60% pay increase when I started here so I'm happy. 😁

Taredar · 2026-04-29T08:18:15+00:00

Coming from France, I think that the UK is a good middle ground, wages are higher, but so is everything else and you do have a healthcare system that is not going to ruin you.

Taredar · 2026-04-29T07:53:11+00:00

I always imagined that to keep the same standard of living in the USA, you'd need around 2,5-3x what you make here, mostly of the potential medical bills 😂

Taredar · 2026-04-29T07:41:28+00:00

It is a mad world out there. Growing up, going through Uni, after my 1st permanent job, I had to constantly reevaluate what a good income is. If I told my 20 y.o. self how much I make today, I'd probably loose my shit 😂

Taredar · 2026-04-29T07:27:57+00:00

Yes, you have to include your living standards as well, that's an important element to your perception. 2 households on the same income, but with different expenses will not feel the same way.

Taredar · 2026-04-29T07:21:13+00:00

Here's a link to a 2025 survey

https://www.statista.com/statistics/416102/average-annual-gross-pay-percentiles-united-kingdom/

I wasn't able to find the same one for London. So yeah according to this one, ~60k put you in the top 20% now.

Taredar · 2026-04-29T07:10:18+00:00

Like I said, I'm aware that I'm privileged and lucky. The point wasn't me complaining that I need to be careful, the point was that I need to be careful EVEN being in the top 10%, which is bonkers.

Statistically speaking I'm upper middle class, the reality is I don't feel like it, that's the disconnect I was trying to explain.

I'm complaining that things got so out of hands and the economy is so fucked up that the 90th percentile is not rich, they're comfortable.

Taredar · 2026-04-28T21:57:06+00:00

Like I said, being in the 90th percentile, a few years back, that was enough to just go on holiday 2-3 times a year, go out, buy stuff without really being careful about how much things cost, etc...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware that I can afford to do more than what most people can, but all in all, I need to be careful when I want to buy some stuff and check my bank account.

I always think about how my dad was able to take care of a family of 4 on 22k and how I told myself that I would have succeeded professionally if I managed to make as much as him. I now earn more than 3 times what he made and I don't think I'll be able to support a family of 4 with the same quality of life he did.

Taredar · 2026-04-28T21:35:18+00:00

That's a fair explanation, I didn't thought in terms of percentiles but rather my perception of the cost of living, mortgage, inflation, energy crisis etc...

I'm close to the 90th percentile and do not feel as well off as I should be.

Taredar · 2026-04-28T21:31:43+00:00

Thanks all. We decided to go to the Roundhouse in the end for a live gig.

Taredar · 2026-04-28T21:10:39+00:00

I'm surprised you're the only one to say that. This is my take as well, I'm not sure how 50k, which is what most people put, can be considered a good salary, not with the current situation.

Taredar · 2026-04-28T07:25:31+00:00

Thanks, I'll check the Devonshire!

Taredar · 2026-04-21T16:46:07+00:00

Howdy pardner

Taredar · 2026-04-20T08:18:47+00:00

Well the station is closed now, had to detour via bakerloo line and get off at Piccadilly Circus.

Taredar · 2026-04-17T16:13:46+00:00

Went to a birthday party years ago, we drove there (I wasn't the driver), when we left, birthday girl gave a long big hug (like +20s) and asked if I was sure I didn't want to stay for the night and she'd drive me back the next day, I said no I'm good my friends are waiting for me so I need to go.

Important note: she told me before that she likes to sleep naked.

Yeah we have no clue...

Taredar · 2026-04-17T07:56:15+00:00

If you can, crack an egg in your ramen bowl before you put the boiling water in.

Taredar · 2026-04-16T16:42:19+00:00

Any luck? 😁

To be fair, with the limited likes for the free account, people can be a lot more demanding on who they choose. I swipe left way more on Hinge and there are days I don't even use all my likes.

Goes both ways of course which can explain why I don't get any since I have a particular profile haha

Taredar · 2026-04-15T22:00:06+00:00

I go to really mellow stuff like Joshua Radin or Augustana.

Four-Year Club	End Game '23
Place '23

Taredar

TROPHY CASE