Magdalena: I would agree and disagree at the same time. Most Polish migrants don't really read the papers or watch British TV; they don't get together with people who are stressed about the state of the economy because their more expensive lifestyles and top-notch jobs are on the line; and they don't really think of the UK as a real, actual country - they see it more as The Place You Go to Earn Money, a kind of Neverland or what, where nothing bad ever happens, and even if it does, there is always someone British to pick up the pieces. Sad, but true. The real world is in Poland, and now they live the "dream". And dreams are usually stress free - everything is weird, but hey, who's to worry, it's not for real! Hard to say who's to blame for this fairytale image of the UK, I guess both sides are guilty a bit. NuLabor has done quite a lot in the nicey-nice propaganda department, and most migrants the world over tend to paint a fantastic picture of their new country to those who stayed at home, thus luring them to come over, and who will admit they had been fooled?
There is a lot of truth in this.
Ksysia sounds just like my ex - everything about the UK was "bad" - work, money, housing, "cholerne Angole", weather, transport, traffic, prospects, cost of living... but at least the drivers and roads are better! :D
I said to her a few times, "well, **** off back then, if you don't like it!".
Well, of course she didn't - she stayed with me - until I got fed up of the complaints/criticism and left, that is :)
If you believed her, everyone in Poland has a job which not only gives them a good standard of living, a car, and maybe even a helicopter (I kid you not!), but everyone finishes work at a decent time, so Mum can collect the kids from school (which is always a short walk away, as is every workplace). Dad always finishes work just after the kids get home from school - unlike a loser like me ;) - and no-one wants, or needs, overtime or second jobs.
However... she seemed to have forgotten what she left behind - poor wages, a low standard of living, a period during which she needed THREE jobs, and no prospects - which is, of course, why she moved to the UK. But she decided that it would be better to fiddle the benefits system and sit on her a**, languishing in a part-time job which requires no education and minimal training, instead of using her professional qualifications to earn a decent salary.Still, it paid for her fake-label market clothes, false nails and hair extensions, so it's all good! (lol)
I'm fairly certain she's gone back now. People like that certainly aren't missed - or needed - in the UK.
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