My Life Blog

For years, the UK TV licence has been a controversial topic, but now the government is looking to make it even worse by forcing people who stream content on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ to pay for a TV licence . If this plan goes ahead, it will mean that even those who don’t watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer will be forced to fund the BBC. And for many of us, that’s a line we refuse to cross. The Problem with the TV Licence Right now, the law is simple: you only need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV as it’s broadcast or use BBC iPlayer . If you exclusively use streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, or All 4’s on-demand content, you’re not required to pay. But if this new rule comes into play, that could change, effectively turning the licence into a broad digital tax that has nothing to do with watching the BBC. This push by the government isn’t about fairness; it’s about propping up an outdated system that refuses to evolve . The BBC had every opportunity to ...

Working in a fast-paced restaurant environment is no easy feat, especially on a chaotic Saturday night. With orders flying in, customers waiting, and the general buzz of a busy shift, it takes a lot to stay grounded and focused. But then, you have moments that make you shake your head—like when a delivery driver decides they’re the centre of the universe. The situation started while I was bagging up a click-and-collect order. We have a process for this: go through each item with the customer to make sure their order is correct. It’s a simple but essential step to avoid any mix-ups or complaints later. While I was in the middle of helping the customer, a delivery driver started interrupting me, insisting that the bag I was handling was his. I told him, politely but firmly, that I was dealing with a customer and he would have to wait his turn. But he kept going on about it, as if his impatience would magically make me prioritize him. I repeated myself—he would have to wait until I finish...

I was walking to work on an ordinary day, completely unaware of the extraordinary events about to unfold. The sky was its usual shade, the streets familiar, and yet, as I walked, everything shifted. Above me, a spaceship descended, its design eerily reminiscent of the one from "Flight of the Navigator," sleek and alien, yet oddly comforting. In a flash of light, I was beamed aboard, leaving behind the world I thought I knew. The ship wasn’t just a machine. It was alive, observing, and deeply aware of the fragile state of humanity. It had chosen me—a representative of a species on the brink—to preserve and carry forward the essence of human existence. Onboard, I discovered an environment untouched by time. Injuries healed instantly, aging halted, and immortality became my new reality. There was a seating area filled with cushions, soft and inviting, and a massive monitor that displayed Earth below. Time aboard the ship moved differently. As I watched through the monitor, I saw...

For years, I held the role of a trainer in my workplace, a position I took on with enthusiasm and pride. I loved teaching, mentoring, and helping new team members find their footing. Watching others grow, achieve their goals, and develop confidence brought me immense satisfaction. However, after much thought and reflection, I recently made the decision to step down from this role. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for me. When I first became a trainer, the role was simple: guide and support others, share knowledge, and ensure the team met its standards. Over time, though, the responsibilities grew. Additional tasks were added—many of which went beyond the scope of what I initially signed up for. While I adapted and rose to the challenges, the changes shifted the role into something that no longer aligned with why I took it on in the first place. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a trainer was the gratitude expressed by the trainees. Hearing them say how much t...

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been grappling with an alarming issue that directly impacts the safety of my community. It’s an issue that should concern everyone: fire safety and the blatant disregard for it. Let me set the scene. A ginnel, which serves as an essential fire exit route for not only my block of flats but also for another nearby building, has been repeatedly blocked by parked cars and, until recently, bins. This ginnel is vital—it’s the only way out for residents in case of an emergency. However, the situation has become untenable, thanks to Franganos, a restaurant located on the street. The fire department has already been involved. They issued clear warnings about the hazards, and while some bins have been moved, the main issue remains unresolved: cars are still blocking the ginnel. These vehicles, frequently parked by Franganos staff, leave only a narrow gap—barely enough for one person to squeeze through. This is not “suitable and sufficient” for safe evacuation during...

  Imagine living in a world where every decision you make has immediate and tangible consequences. A world where morality isn’t an abstract concept but a force woven into the very fabric of existence. This is the world of the Soul Clasp—a thought-provoking idea that explores the balance between justice, accountability, and redemption. What Is the Soul Clasp? In this world, every person is marked by a small, blood-red gem embedded in their forehead, known as the Soul Clasp. This gem is invisible to others but ever-present for the individual who bears it. It is not just a decorative feature; it is a living system of justice, monitoring every action and intent. When someone chooses to harm others, whether through violence, deceit, or betrayal, the Soul Clasp reacts by draining their life force. This manifests physically, causing the individual to age faster and more visibly. If someone takes a life, the clasp responds with finality, taking their life in return. Justice is absolute, im...

  When I first moved into my flat, I never imagined I'd find myself in a battle over something as fundamental as fire safety. Unfortunately, that became my reality as I faced repeated issues with parked cars and bins obstructing fire exits in the ginnel near my building. These obstructions were not just inconvenient; they were a blatant safety hazard for everyone living in the flats. The problems began over a year ago. Cars belonging to the nearby restaurant, Franganos, regularly blocked the ginnel, and bins were often left right in front of fire exits. Concerned for my safety and the safety of my neighbours, I reported the issue to my property manager, FirstPort, through my landlord. My complaint specifically highlighted the blocked fire exits as a fire safety violation. But despite my efforts, nothing was done. Franganos claimed they owned the ginnel, and the property manager seemed unwilling or unable to take action. Months passed, and the situation remained unchanged. The bins ...

  We’ve all been there—working hard, giving our best, and trying to create a positive experience for others, only to find ourselves criticized or misunderstood. It’s demoralizing, especially when you know your intentions were genuine. Recently, I found myself in such a situation, and it’s led me to rethink how I approach my job. One incident stood out in particular. I was working a busy shift, running around, clearing tables, and interacting with customers to keep everything flowing smoothly. During one interaction, I made a light-hearted joke about being unavailable as a dessert while asking if the customer wanted to order one. It was meant to lighten the mood, something I often do to make the experience more enjoyable for both customers and myself. Unfortunately, this time, the joke didn’t land. The customer misunderstood my intent and lodged a complaint. What followed was a formal “Letter of Concern” and the looming possibility of disciplinary action. This hit hard because the j...

  Today’s snow brings with it a soft sense of nostalgia, blanketing the world in a thin, fleeting layer of white. It’s charming, sure, but it’s nothing like the winters I remember as a child growing up in the 1980s. Back then, snow wasn’t just a light dusting; it was a force of nature, a proper winter with real teeth. This morning, I looked outside and saw the kind of snow that teases you. It covers the ground briefly, giving everything a temporary winter coat, only to start melting into slush as the day wears on. By evening, the forecast predicts rain, which will likely wash away the last remnants of this fragile snowfall. It’s disappointing in a way—a pale shadow of what winter used to be. Back in the '80s, snowstorms meant business. I vividly remember opening the back door to play outside and finding the imprint of the door on a wall of snow blocking the exit. Snow would pile up so high that it reached my knees as I trudged through it. Each step felt like an adventure, and there...

Sick pay has always been a point of contention in the workplace, especially in industries where taking time off directly impacts the team. The balance between supporting employees and protecting businesses from abuse can seem tricky, but what if there were a way to reward loyalty, promote fairness, and comply with UK laws? Here’s an idea I’ve often thought about: a structured sick pay system that benefits both workers and employers. The Proposed Sick Pay System Under this system, company sick pay would only be offered to employees who have worked for the business for at least one year. The idea is to reward loyalty and ensure that the benefit isn’t taken advantage of. For every year worked, employees would gain an additional week of sick pay benefits, up to a maximum of five weeks per year. For example: After 1 year of service: 1 week of sick pay After 2 years of service: 2 weeks of sick pay And so on, up to 5 years for 5 weeks of sick pay. Safeguards to Prevent Abuse To ensure fairnes...

It's never easy to make the decision to call in sick to work. For me, it's even harder when I know how busy things are and how my absence might affect the team. But when you’re feeling truly unwell, sometimes you have no choice but to prioritize your health. Earlier this week, I started feeling pretty rough. It began with a dry, violent cough that rattled my chest and left my throat raw. Breathing became more difficult, and even my usual inhaler wasn’t enough to keep things manageable. By Monday, I had powered through a shift, even though I knew I wasn’t in great shape. One of my coworkers noticed how ill I looked, coughing nonstop, and commented on it. That should’ve been my first clue to stop and rest, but I’m the type to push through when I can. By Tuesday, though, my body had made the decision for me. I couldn’t go on like that. I rang in sick and started resting properly. Unfortunately, with it being New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, I couldn’t make an appointment to see ...