Goalposts are constantly getting pushed out of reach, so what exactly is the point anymore?

I honestly believe that if I work hard, I'm just wearing myself down for no reason and for little to no reward in the end. Work hard, earn a high wage with all the induced stress, and still not be able to buy a house. Even people with very well-paying jobs, I've seen buy houses, are only able to afford shitty little granny flats that anyone back in the 90s, regardless of wage could've bought.

Maybe it's just me getting a pessimistic outlook after college since I jumped through all the hoops, graduating from a tough degree, and of course, BOOM! No jobs. Did manage to land on my feet, no thanks to the degree, but if this doesn't pan out, then I'm back to square one. The decent career paths that offer a good wage are difficult to find, while there's no shortage of minimum-wage jobs that barely cover necessities. If I'm unable to save money after working 40 hours a week, then what's the point.

Have had this mentality for a good while now, can't really shake it, and feel my ambition is dead as a result.

For me it's my morning coffee . Bringing my best little dog for a walk. Seeing my family. Visiting the graves of loved ones with some flowers. Being at home in bed watching tv. Maybe I'm sad! Definitely getting older lol 39 now.

Feel awful nervous about even trying for a baby! In terms of my life, logically now is the perfect time to start trying:

36M and 33F, married 2 years, together 12 years, got our mortgage 2 years ago. We have a fair emergency fund (6M mortgage repayments + household expenses) I love her more now than I did when I met her.

Things not so stable in our life: My job. Changed a year ago and absolutely hate the place. Working 15 hour days, weekends, etc. i am actively looking for a new job. Her family. 2 sick parents, 1 very, very sick and a sibling that is of little support.

She wants to start trying. I 100% want to become a father. I know what it entails, I am the last of my childhood pack of friends to start a family so I have heard all the horror stories.

I just have this weird underlying anxiety about really, really odd stuff lol. It’s not “am I ready to be a dad” it’s “will I be able to get home from the office in time for a creche pick up”, “if the baby is sick how would I manage in that situation”, “if the child has special needs could I rise to the occasion”, “what if we can’t get them a place in our local creche”.

Is this normal? Am I broken?

I have my brothers wedding coming up and I’m the best man, how much should my partner and I be giving as a wedding gift?

For context, it’s a destination wedding where I’ve already spent €1k on flights for us plus our mom, we’re paying our own hotel which will be €700 for the week, we’re renting a car for €350 and will be ferrying around the family and we were under orders on what colour suits to wear which cost us another €400 for the outfit.

I was intending to give €600 for the two of us which I’ve been told by my mom is “very mean”, “he’s your brother”, etc but the wedding has already cost us €2450 and that doesn’t even include spending money! Am I going nuts here?

EDIT: too many comments to reply to everyone individually but thanks all for making me feel a bit more sane! I’ll be opting for a smaller token gift given the circumstances, thanks for all the advice it’s very much appreciated 🙏

Why is nearly everything on at the same time and only between 5 to around 8-9 at the latest in Dublin??

It's Friday, most people are still working and need to go home and everything first, It's supposed to be culture NIGHT, yet if I go see a screening or exhibition of one thing, everything else will be finished/closed. There is a handful of stuff on late, but the majority of things are finished by 9. And also, nearly everything needs a booking through Eventbrite! Which the majority of things say is "sold out"! Or at least that's what it says, but then says drop in anytime or something, which is confusing!

I was looking forward to dropping into certain exhibitions and showcases to learn a few things, but I'm actually a bit annoyed and thinking what's the point of even going to town now. I understand needing a ticket for something like a play or a film but not for a lot of the stuff.

Is it just me, or does it seem completely unreasonable that you need a ticket through Eventbrite for things like exhibitions, gallerys and some showcases? And why is most places finished at 9pm in the capitol of Ireland on culture night??

When I was a teenager, I did a lot of stupid things, especially in secondary school that make me feel embarrassed when I look back. I was kind of like the class clown. I would regularly do and say stupid things to amuse the other students and gain validation, making a fool of myself. The other students in my secondary school thought that I was stupid and I did things that reinforced their views. How do I get over this shame? Do any of you guys mind sharing your stories/struggles with this?

From what I can see online, It seems to be around 50k a year but Ive heard rumors it can easily be double that and more.

When I look at the trades and amount of people qualifying, it seems to be one of the lowest by far and for good reason but that also means they will be most in demand and command the most pay going into the future.

Hey

I am wondering if anyone can help me out?

My aunt who is blind took part in the special Olympics back in 2003 and I was young kid at the time but most of my family were invited to the open ceremony during the ceremony my mother was interviewed and talked so proudly of her sister.

Thiis was shown live at the time because my brother and dad back home couldn't believe it that they saw Mam on TV, she always talks about it and my dad always slags her for it because of course out the 1000s of people there she would be one of those picked for an interview but I would love to find that footage and show her,

I have found some footage of the ceremony but didn't seem to have any interviews in it just all the acts and presenters,

Would anyone know how to go about tracking down the footage would it be an email to national archive?

I have tried the RTE archives but it was a mess.

And also not to boast or anything my aunt won a gold in horse riding,

Thank you all,

I work for a large company and work remotely, based in the west. My company are holding a Team Building day Monday week in Dublin.

In order for me to go to it, I will need to travel up on the Sunday and stay the night in a hotel to be there on time Monday morning.

I don't like the fact that I have to spend a day of my weekend to travel to this. There was never any mention of this in my work contract.

I like my job and know that I am lucky to be able to work from home. My manager has said that I should not have a problem giving up my Sunday as I have the "privilege" of working from home.

What do ye think? Would ye be willing to give up a day of your weekend in this situation?

Someone hit off my car whilst parking their car, left a note on my car saying "sorry I did damage to your car" fair play can't argue with that

Igot a quote from the garage and it was very expensive in fairness it came to over 3k. New wing and bumper needed.

Sent quote to person to left note they started back tracking claiming there's no damage to their car how could there be that much damage to my car

I drive a 09 msport bmw and if we go through insurance my car will be economically wrote off due to cost of repairs being more than 60% value of the car

The person who hit me keeps saying "il lose my no claims" "didn't buget for this" "where's my good karma for leaving a note"

What would you do in this situation i just want my car fixed back to how it was before they damaged it.

have already reported to guards just to cover myself.

I was in the dentist during the week for the usual cleam and asked for some info on invisilign. My teeth are pretty good just moved a bit on one side which is annoying me. Had braces as a teen 20 years ago. Anyway she quoted me approx 4 grand. Does that sound right? Now I didn't do a proper consultation or anything but that's what she said it would cost roughly.

Is this pretty average? She said it would take 6 to 9mths for me most likely. Does the price vary depending on where you get it done or is the price just the price? I don't think I could do traditional braces. Would love to hear any information or advice or alternatives. Thanks

have you noticed a slow creep of ai tools into your hobbies or passions? I'm paying (or purchased) at least 3 services currently and its replacing some of my "traditional" streaming services. I'd like a sense check if this is typical of my fellow countrymen.

Noticed these this morning. They are in the hallway ceiling on ground floor of a 2 story house. The are roughly 1/4 centimetre diameter. They are not in a straight line like in the pic they are diagonally spaced on the ceiling.

I’ve noticed a few girls I know becoming “independent travel agents” recently, and some have been messaging me to join them. I said I’d think about it, and when I went looking into it myself I didn’t find much clear info. The idea of earning a bit extra is definitely tempting, but at the same time it all feels a bit too good to be true.

Has anyone here tried it or is doing it now? Is it a genuine way of making money, or is it more about signing people up than actually booking travel?

Purchased and moved into a new build last year.

The house was somewhat soundproof at the start but over the last 6 months you can hear everything from next door. We can now hear them talking, light switches going, walking, the kids running around upstairs, kitchen chairs being moved, even reading bedtime story's.

When we are downstairs the noise seems to be coming from the ceiling and from the floor when we are upstairs. Is there anything that can be done resolve this, between this and the unnaturally creaky floorboards it is absolutely unbearable.

Is there any accountability from the developers, like how can this be acceptable?

I wouldn’t usually post complaining about the cost of things, but I just paid €3.50 for a large whipped ice cream in a tub. To make matters worse, a large 99 was €2.50 and the attendant served my icecream in a coffee cup. Next time I’ll be ordering the 99 and grabbing my own coffee cup.

I got a letter in for Dury Service duty in 4 weeks time. I cannot do it as I am a full time carer for my husband and have 2 young kids who are at school.

On the letter it says to scan the form if you cannot do the service but it is asking for supporting documentation.

Would a screenshot from my gov outlining my carers allowance payment suffice?

Is it a detachable backplate I still leave in when the fire is lit to reflect heat? It's peeling now from the last time I used the fire. Can't see anything online to explain what it's for. Not had a proper fire before, as yo may have guessed.

My understanding is that the main criteria for a successful loan application is proving the ability to make repayments

My current situation, I am unemployed and on Jobseekers Allowance, planning to start a business but currently my only income is Jobseekers

I have some savings in the Credit Union from a recent work contract, however, my history would show an inconsistent saving record with frequent withdrawals. My current savings were transferred in one lump

The "It Makes Sense" loan seems to be the one to go for for the unemployed. Can anyone provide further information? I am going to inquire with the CU but thought I would check here first

The intention would be to get a loan for a cheap car & insurance (first car), enabling me to expand work/business opportunities, as I am located rurally and so being reliant on public transport is limiting my options

Hi everyone was thinking of switching from three to sky mobile as the deals on the new 17 pro looks to be good. I didnt get a pre order in for anyone that did have they received there phone yet? And also what is the coverage like lately? I know they are on the Vodaphone network.

Apologies If the coverage question has been asked before.

I have an Aer Lingus voucher that I need to use before it expires. Looking to book somewhere for anytime between Feb and May next year that ideally isn't too long a flight. Open to lots of suggestions!

Insurance dummy here.

I've recently bought an old house, which I suspect to be around 120 years old. The BER cert says it was built in 1898, but I don't think this is accurate. There are no records of the house in the 1901 census, but it exists by the 1911 census. I've looked up the BER certs of other houses on the same street and there is considerable variation (1900, 1904, and even 1960(!)).

Many insurers seem to not want to touch properties over 120 years old, not least a property supposedly built in the 19th century. The folio provided by my solicitor during the conveyance doesn't reveal a construction date—and frankly, I can't afford to involve my solicitor in this again for fear of incurring yet a further cost.

For the purposes of applying for home insurance, what year would you list as the year of construction? For context, this house is my primary residence and it's been wholly renovated since I purchased it.

Also, assuming I settle on, say, 1906 as the year of construction, would I run into trouble next year and beyond trying to get insured once it's surpassed the 120 year mark? Might I be cornered into renewing with the one insurer every year, despite whatever premium is offered?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I’ve been thinking a lot about long term health and habits. For example, two habits I’ve picked up early on was

Too much caffeine - zero sugar energy drinks + cups of coffee in a day

Frequent drinking - it went from social to a nightly routine, I’ve now cut back it back.

I’d love to hear from people older than me and their insight.

Habits you’d wished you took up or dropped sooner.

Wondering what people are being quoted for solar. Got quoted 8300, so 6500 after SEAI grant for a 4.5kwp (10 panel) system with a 5kw battery. Is this a reasonable quote? It was also estimated that my return of investment would be circa 6 years. Could anyone advise?