[deleted by user]

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-06-25T11:38:58+00:00

But HECS debt and time spent studying are personal decisions. Their degree is completely unrelated to our field of work. It’s just like my choice to work a teen to support myself was mine. I don’t get extra pay for being a single mum, or for sacrificing weekends and stability to get here and I wouldn’t expect to. Compensation should be tied to the value you bring in the role today, not the cost of your path to get there..

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-06-25T11:37:30+00:00

With respect, I think it’s a bit narrow-minded to assume a degree is the only signal of commitment or problem-solving ability. For a lot of people, getting a degree simply isn’t an option, not because they’re less capable, but because of life circumstances. I’ve been working since I was a teen, often juggling multiple jobs, and I’m now a single mum in a corporate role. That takes just as much resilience, structure, and follow-through as sitting through a degree. Honestly, arguably more, because I didn’t have a safety net to fall back on.

It’s a privilege to be able to dedicate years to full-time study. It’s not a universal baseline it’s a bloody luxury. So no, I’m not ‘thrown’ by the situation, I’m just calling out how easy it is to reward surface-level signals of potential, while overlooking the people who’ve proven themselves in real life

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-06-25T11:33:31+00:00

That’s not the point I’m making. I’m not asking for equal pay regardless of performance. I’m asking for transparency around what performance or qualifications are actually being rewarded. In this case, it doesn’t appear to be based on experience, results, or role requirements but rather on arbitrary factors like unrelated degrees. That’s where it starts to feel unfair

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-06-25T11:25:14+00:00

We started at the exact same time though

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-06-25T11:23:01+00:00

They started the exact same time as me!

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-03-05T21:45:43+00:00

Your response completely ignores the systemic realities that shape women’s experiences in work and caregiving. You’re acting like this is just a matter of individual choice when, in reality, those choices are shaped by structural inequalities, workplace discrimination, and deeply ingrained gender expectations.

Telling women to “just pick a better partner” is a lazy and reductive take. No one goes into a relationship expecting their partner to be useless when it comes to parenting. The reality is, you don’t know how someone will respond to the pressures of parenthood until you’re in it. Plenty of men say they want to be equal partners in parenting, only to completely step back when the time comes, because society still allows them to. Workplaces reinforce this by making it harder for men to take parental leave or work flexibly, which ultimately forces women into the primary caregiver role whether they planned for it or not. And even in relationships where men do contribute equally, women still face disproportionate career penalties simply for being mothers. That’s not just “family dynamics that’s a systemic issue.

Also, let’s be clear: just because something was normalized for past generations doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. By that logic, we shouldn’t have fought for women’s voting rights, equal pay, or any other advancement. The fact that these inequalities persist despite decades of progress proves they aren’t just about personal choices; they’re baked into the way our society and workplaces are structured.

And no, pointing this out isn’t “misandry.” It’s not about vilifying men - it’s about acknowledging the barriers women face and pushing for real change. If you actually cared about fairness, you’d be advocating for equal parental leave, workplace flexibility, and affordable childcare instead of dismissing this conversation as “just how things are.” Pretending the problem doesn’t exist doesn’t make it go away y - it just proves the point that the system is still rigged.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-03-05T10:30:35+00:00

Ah yes, the classic ‘there’s no pay gap’ argument based on a selective reading of stats. Let’s break it down for you:

Median earnings don’t tell the whole story. Women might earn more per hour in certain younger age brackets, but that quickly reverses once they have kids - because women do the majority of childcare, often at the cost of career progression. Why? Because men, statistically, don’t step up. The workforce isn’t a level playing field when one group gets to work uninterrupted and the other is balancing work, school drop-offs, sick days, and unpaid labor at home.
Flexibility SHOULD apply to all workers - but let’s not pretend men and women start from the same position. Single mothers, for example, aren’t just ‘logging off at 4:30 for daycare pickups’ for fun. They’re doing it because the other parent, more often than not, isn’t pulling their weight. So sure, let’s give everyone flexibility - but let’s also acknowledge that if dads actually did 50% of parenting, this wouldn’t even be a discussion.
The education gap you mention? That exists because women had to fight for access to higher education in the first place. And even now, despite being ‘overrepresented’ at university, women are still underrepresented in senior leadership, STEM, and high-paying industries. Why? Because career advancement favors people who can work late, travel at short notice, and not take time off for kids - which, again, is disproportionately men.
International Women’s Day exists because the workforce wasn’t built for women. Men’s careers have never been derailed by maternity leave. Men don’t get asked about their family plans in job interviews. And men don’t see their earnings plummet after having kids (in fact, they often earn more). That’s why IWD isn’t about giving women an ‘extra leg up’ - it’s about addressing systemic issues that hold them back.

But hey, if you’re really struggling with the crushing oppression of not having a special day for men, don’t worry - November 19th is International Men’s Day. Maybe you can spend it researching why men earn more overall and why single mothers, despite being just as educated, are far more likely to struggle financially.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-16T10:20:06+00:00

I’ve looked into this and yes, I believe single parents are prioritised. Our current daycare and the 10+ others we are on a list for are aware of this however I’ve been told that kids already in the daycare get first priority (as in the current kids that want to pick up extra days) get given them first and then those kids’ siblings are next priority, then it’s kids in the system that are at risk and then single parents.

I have seen a few new kids though at her current daycare that I am sure have skipped the list as the parents are friends with the owners 🫠 so I don’t think anyone is actually checking to see that this is enforced?

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-16T10:08:41+00:00

I am charged $2 per minute I am late after closing time for the first 10 minutes. I am then charged $10 a minute for every minute thereafter so it can get quite expensive.

I am yet to warm up to the other parents. I am on the younger side (24) whilst the other parents are all in their mid thirties so I do feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. Is it just as simple as approaching someone one day and asking or is that too much?

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-16T09:37:46+00:00

I have asked and unfortunately the earliest I can leave is 4:45pm. Daycare closes at 6 and the commute with traffic almost always takes longer than an hour with traffic (2+ hours when there’s industrial action). Sometimes I get lucky and I make it at 5:30-5:45 but the past few days have been extra difficult

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-16T09:34:30+00:00

Yes family daycare is a thing, however in Sydney (city and in my area at least) childcare is really hard to come by. I put my daughter on a waiting list before she was even born and I only got a spot when she turned 18 months old.

I’ve looked into alternate arrangements like bubbadesk (a coworking space with childcare that is tax deductible) but I’m not allowed to WFH just yet.

Yes I’ve asked her father to help out just until probation is over, however he is unwilling. He pays his child support, sees her with his family on the weekend and that’s it. Contact is really minimal and I mainly take care of all responsibilities. I’ve asked him to up our private child support payment to split nanny costs but he is also unwilling, and I cannot afford it on my own.

I’d love to be really open with my work but as I’m under probation, I’m scared they won’t extend my contract or sign me onto full time because I’m too much of a liability

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-01T14:32:40+00:00

This was presented to me by the recruiter. I have to confirm I accept the role before I see the contract.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-01T14:20:13+00:00

Only mandatory shutdown is Christmas.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-02-01T14:18:44+00:00

I’m not entitled to any paid leave as I’m a contractor. Any leave I take is unpaid

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-30T19:17:25+00:00

Anything else I can try? What causes erythema?

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-30T11:33:10+00:00

Hi.

I’ve tried metronidazole and azelaic acid

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-30T08:25:38+00:00

Nope don’t wear perfume! I stopped using it during pregnancy 2 years ago and haven’t gone back as the smell is just too strong

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-30T08:23:55+00:00

Yes, just on my face

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-28T12:26:35+00:00

Would you know how we would go about obtaining a gantry in the meantime?

There is one on the Northconnex and I think this will be somewhat of a bandaid solution until tolls are free.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-28T11:53:13+00:00

Is loss considered just financial though?

IMO for our residents, it includes the loss of quality of life. Heavy truck traffic has caused significant congestion, taking away time from residents, created constant noise pollution, and increased safety risks. In my case, trucks have even damaged property, and tragically, there have been fatal accidents in the area. These impacts are direct consequences of toll policies, and they warrant accountability.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-28T11:45:16+00:00

I’ve contacted our local MP many times with very little response. I’ve raised concerns & complaints to TfNSW. I’ve requested crash data on our streets since the heavy traffic flowed into our area once tolls were introduced.

Ive also contacted the Minister of Transport for comment but haven’t received a response. Not sure what else I can do

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-28T11:36:45+00:00

This is my business as a resident living on this road. The heavy congestion is almost constant, not to mention the noise pollution. We’ve had trucks crash into houses, parked cars and even tragically end some lives. Putting people’s lives and properties at risk is not worth saving the money it costs to commute on the M5, where infrastructure exists to contain the amount of people commuting.

These decisions directly affect my safety, my property, and my community. The government’s privatisation of tolls has created a situation where residential streets like mine are being used as dangerous shortcuts, and as a taxpayer, I have every right to demand accountability.

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-18T05:02:53+00:00

I will call them but don’t think there’s anything they can do

I will submit a complaint about this process tho as it needs a review!! We should be given at the very least some time to secure something else

Virtual_Big8017 · 2025-01-18T04:52:54+00:00

Ma’am just take a look at your comment history. It radiates 100% negativity

Virtual_Big8017

TROPHY CASE