Polish Thoughts on Britain and the British

magda... its important to remember that we have many highly qualified and experienced brits who are also unable to find the sort of work they feel they should be doing... you are probably competing with these people... they have advantages over you...

To understand Britain and British people you must understand recent British history. British society has changed more than any other country in Europe.In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister and made many changes (some good some bad) - she told people to forget about society and privatised many national government companies. Ever since that time the British economy has been strong but people have become less caring and more selfish (before that we were more similar to the Dutch).

Also in Britain we have always had a class system which other countries don't.It has nothing to do with money but is more about attitude/interests etc.This has caused problems because many laws here are made by middle class people who do not understand how their laws will affect working class people.It was the middle class people in government who felt it was good to allow in unlimited numbers of Polish workers-but working class people might feel differently.

Friendly British people? I have travelled to many countries and so can say that the southern English are not the most open and can often seem unfriendly and
cold.However,this is because they are reserved and once they know you they are sincere.Also,in Scotland,Wales and northern England (Liverpool,Manchester) people are much more friendly the 1st time.

Where to find open-minded/open hearted people? This is very tricky! It depends what your interests are.I like the good things about Britain but not the posh snobby side which is why I like those places which are traditional but not posh (so many once great places have been turned into rich yuppie areas.
If you descibe your interests I will make some suggestions.



Like BubbaWoo said many English people also have this problem.These days many interesting 'good' jobs pay £14500 per year while the 'bad' jobs pay £20000 (plus overtime)

I see the same Magd's attitude here in the US. Educated people from Poland expect to get the same high paying jobs as the american people. They think that because they have a degree from Poland all doors will be open for them. Well, you need to compete just like everybody also. The best one wins. Many end up in less paying jobs or menial jobs because of the feeling of entitlement. You are entitled to nothing, unless you can convince and prove to the employer that you are better than others.
People tend to be around people who behave and think the same. It's the comfort zone.
People who live in the suburbs tend to be different than people who live in the city. People who live in the "bad" parts of the city behave different than people who live in the expensive parts of the city etc.
When I grew up in Poland and was friends with a girl who was not up to my Mom's standards she would tell me: "kto z kim przystaje takim sie staje", which would translate to "you are as the people you hang around with". This particular girl was... well, somewhat slutty, but really fun to be around. My Mom believed that by hanging around with her, everybody will think the same about me. Wasn't she right? She was.
The point is, if you don't like the environment you are in - change it. Life is about choices, don't expect anything handed to you on the silver platter. Work at it. It really pays in a long run.

it's might also be worth a mention that education, whilst important, is not the be-all-and-end-all in the uk... experience counts for just as much, if not more... british degrees are worth less with each year of graduates hitting the employment market... bits of paper are easy to get in the uk.... employers want to see that you can back it up with substance...

I never was expecting this lol I've got a wide experience and I was studying in Padova University ALSO. Just have wanted to be useful here, change your opinion about Polish, I never expect that everybody will be licking my feet (but could be nice)

Some of my Polish friends got a scholarship here. They were scary of education's level. Now they are grumbling that they've got the same things in high-school. They've wanted to learn something new, more difficult, not only to be the best students, because they just know all the stuff.

However Eurola I think the best environment for me could be the small house in the forest by the lake or by the sea and I'm fighting for it

Howewer here is a bit like in Poland. Employers don't want you without experience, but you cannot gain this experience without a work. Voluntary is good for someone who don't need to care about bills, food etc. because i.e. parents pay it. However sometimes employers want to PAID experience, so the circle start to close.

so whats going wrong then magda... are you seeing jobs you can apply for... is you CV up to scratch... are you getting interviews... whats the game play...?

Life is about choices, like Eurola truly said, so I'm looking for the right people who can appreciate my knowledge, enthusiasm, experience and do not care about appereance. Could be I've found them, but we will see. I want to feel happy and useful in my work, wake up every morning with the big smile on my face: "I go to work!" and I wish the same all of you

well magda.. i was just gonna say that if you would like some job hunting advice i am happy to point you in the right direction...

I will be so happy because I don't know sometimes what is the best for me and how can I serve in this country in the best way

im not sure what you really mean about not caring about your appearance??? Pretty much all employers do care about appearance (in terms of personal grooming and clothes, not race).... in fact they will judge you on this the moment you step through the door for interview. Obviously, depends upon what type of job you are looking for

I used to be a model, so sometimes people treat me like a stupid blonde, thanks gods I'm able to convict them sometimes that is not true....

I assume she meant that she hoped they would be interested in her for her qualifications and not just what she looked like. She's a pretty girl and some employers might want to exploit that. It's an unfair and unfortunate hazard of being attractive; people don't always take you seriously....they look at the outer shell and judge and never bother to find out the important things such as qualifications.

well I appreciate what you guys are saying, but any reputable employer would not discrimate against someome for being attractive, as it is against the law...and if they did, would you really want to work for them anyway?

You are absolutely right! My appereance NEVER have helped me in that. Could be if I wish be a lap-dancer LOL. One of my on-line friend had the story in London, serious employer from serious background start touching her during the interviev and when she said: no, he told her she is not open on communication with him, so.......

NO WAY! :

im sorry, but if this really happened.. there are many things that she could have done.. including reporting this at the highest level of the company.. or if it was a very small company.. she could have issued a formal complaint for sexual harrassment against them. Anyone who would make a pass at you during a interview for a 'proper job' (ie) not one in the sex industry, would be crazy to even attempt this kind of behaviour as it would seriously risk their job and even their company..Im not saying it doesnt go on, but there are laws there to protect us.. would be interesting to know just what kind of serious employer this was??

she didn't tell me, I know only she is pregnant now with her partner, however was affraid of consequences. She is lovely girl, preety but I think quiet fragile

If I've got a problems, mainly with the girls LOL If they want to touch me I suppose only with a heavy boot What is more ridiculous usually I pass all the tests or phone intervievs till they see me in the reality. Even if I'm in the trousers and modest blouse

Ok well good luck to you.. I cant be bothered to respond to this anymore..since I dont think you are really serious... and if you are, then have you ever thought that perhaps it could be your English skills that are holding you back, and not your alleged beauty? Just an observation ..and no, Im not jealous of your looks.. as I also consider myself to have both brains and beauty.

Yes, ALWAYS I consider my defects, so because of that I was a great student an how I said always I pass all tests and intervievs here, but writing or talking by the phone. I don't talk only about English employers and remember I've got a good job here, but i'm looking for something more. And hehe, I'm interpreter here! Don't worry, Italian one. I've started learning English here, I'm sure after this time you could be much better in Polish then me in English. Like I've mentioned I consider my defects. On this forum I try to polish my English. I'm still learning, so you don't need to be ironic.

I never have told it nor to you and nor to someone else. I never have told that I'm pretty, because I know de gustibus non est disputandum, but I'm happy you feel like that Maybe I learn this confidence one day....

and English of course LOL

Every job available has a good side and bad side - an interesting job might require long hours and be stressful,a stress free job might be boring.Even if you are good at your job you might not be appreciated as you desire.
What sort of work are you looking for Magdushya?

if you want to experience the upperclass british people cornwall is the place great weather(unlike most uk), great people, no crime, beautiful language and best of all surfing capital of europe depends where you live, on how good things are go on the bbc cornwall site, it's said in some tales king arthur came from cornwall

I came to Britain in 1994, many years before EU membership, so my views may be different from newer arrivals. I think that nowadays just by being able to come and work people can appreciate your country more -having a legal status allows full praticipation in Britain's daily life and opens plenty of new opportunities to them -apart from being able to use day to day "services" they can really dive in the country's cultural life by joining clubs, libraries etc...I had done all that in the past but it was somehow through the back door which I do not regret as found it exciting at the time but many people wouldn't bother and after saving a bit of money for another year's university fees, a car etc they would go back to PL with their knowledge of UK same as it was before they arrived (believe me I knew people who came to UK just to work and counted EVERY PENNY- they worked all day/night long, took the same bus to work/home and didn't do much beyond that). There was another group of people who had come to work having known it was going to be illegal and hard but despite that having
reached the budget their estimated for they would leave the country with a bit of "bad taste" -feeling exploited and not treated right. There was 1 thing people had in common in the past -everybody dreamt to have legal work and pay the taxes -people didn't like
the idea of working on the black market...but they didn't have a choice if they picked GB as their destination.This is l of coursethe thing of the past now.

Now there will be people who see the country as their opportunity to fix their financial situation (I think this is more likely to be the older generation with very limited language skills) but I'd like to think that the young ones recognise it more as an experience and opportunity to learn about the country's culture, its people etc. Britain is a country that shelters so many different contrasting cultures -it is no longer just the Scots,
the English, the Irish or the Wels that can call themselves British (although many prefer to call themselves that instead of British) but people from any sides of the world (Africa, India etc) that made Britain home. It is only natural that they will say I'm British but I come from India -recognising Britain as the country they live in but also the nation that
they come from ....

My parents have visited me many times now in London. I am not sure what picture they had in their mind about "britishness" before I had gone to UK and got married (to english guy). It wasn't long after Poland was hidden behind the iron curtain -those days travel out of Poland was still pretty limited and restricted to the rich and privileged so was any feedback from abroad - I can only imagine that they based their opinions mainly on books/films watched which means they idea of britishness was very stereotyped - British people mostly seemed serious,very well educated, exteremely
polite and well mannered but somehow stiff and lacked spontaneity -their behaviour seemed more of an act in some ways. Of course they would associate Britain with the Queen and Royal Family which somehow explain all the above. They would definetely recognise the freedom of opinions/speech watching The House of Commons (?) on
news etc Another thing I remember that there would be talk of speaking English, going to England etc rather then going to Great Britain. I think that there are still many people who assume that English and British mean exactly the same.

I think since I got married and they both had had a chance to come and experience the country themselves they would definetely have more to say on the subject especially that they have actually been to the in-law's house and taken part in their daily life. I think they would recognise your country more as a place that holds the roof for so many nations and what follows cultures etc. I remember my dad being so suprised that there were so many Indian, African, European and Polish people in the park when he was taking my daughter along. He has known that there are immigrants in the country etc but didn't realise there were so many I think.....
I think that Britain has become a country of many nations but I am not sure how the 'original" British recognise the changes themselves? I think many look at other nations that have settled in there and hold British passports as foreigners and do not quite recognise them as part of the country? Of course I am generalising here but I was suprised on so many occasion how -having greater access to all these different sometimes literally distant cultures - little knowledge or interest of them SOME of the
"original British" people had or shown...or vice versa.I think if there are different nations coming together as 1 country their knowledge of "each other" should be somehow greater

Remember that people who come and make a living in your country (or any other country) will always compare it/refer to their roots and backgrounds and however bad their country is or was it wil be in their hearts somehow idealised just because it is a distant home for them now -so if you have for example someone who "originated" from the country where people had very little but managed to be happy and full of joy despite that (I'm definetely not refering to Poland here..)that person might be looking at "original" British people thinking "why are they so miserable etc" -not considering that these people might have problems of their own etc...

as I also consider myself to have both brains and beauty. Sapphire.

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Do you consider yourself to be a comedian?

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share the views of a long term Polish resident. I found your comments to be very constructive and insightful

I think that the British, in general, are a tolerant and phlegmatic people. We have a long term history of accepting immigrants from around the world. We have had influxes of people from all around the world and in general they have been well received and our country is richer for their influences upon our culture and certainly from the economic benefits that have accrued. There have been tensions from each wave of immigration and there have been far too many instances of racialism from some sections of our society. Any group of newcomers that have made the effort to integrate are largely welcomed. Groups that have chosen not to integrate or have sought to demand special treatment are the ones where antagonsim from the 'original' Brititish has been at its strongest.

In terms of Polish people, I believe most of us welcome your presence openly. Yes there are some people who blindly repeat the mantra of some of our popular press that you are stealing our jobs. Mainly these people do not want to work as hard as the Poles, want everything on a plate and see hard working, intelligent people as a threat. I guess that is an indication of a complacent but currently successful economy. You pay our taxes so you are benefitting our economy and culture so good on you.

There has to be a time when the pressure on our infrastructure and services from large number of migrants reaches a crisis point. My own belief is that this time is here or just around the corner. It is a factor of numbers not race.

In summary I think we welcome people who will integrate and pay their way but there is a finite limit to the population that these small islands can sustain.

I am British and I agree with this. Most educated people welcome migrant workers from all parts and readily accept them as part of the community.. however, with such huge numbers arriving in recent years, many people are worried about the longer-term effects that this might have on our economy/resources. (e.g.) a drain on the already vastly under funded health service. With many people prepared to work for less than the minimum wage, this also has an effect on the job market, both for original Brits and those who came here earlier are not prepared to work for a pittance. Also, its untrue to say that all contribute to the economy by paying taxes as sadly our system is flawed and many people know only too well how to avoid doing so (and I include Brits in that too).

Dont get me wrong, this is not an attack on Polish people or any other immigrants.. it is merely an observation of an attitude that is spreading throughout Britain. Although Im sure some may disagree.


Yes, I am also a comedian.. why do you ask?.. .

Oh my deares God, How it annoys me when polish people, like Magdushya go abroad and expect to be given everythingh. Why on earth shoul foreigners come to UK and get all the good jobs while there is plenty of Brits who need to work themselves?

People wander why they cannot get a job they think they deserve, well maybe they think to highly about themselves!!!! Sure you have to aim high but you need to realize that there is always a competition and you are not always the best one.

Magdushya do you honestly think your english is as good as native speaker's? Well mine isn't and i know so and i am completely happy with a minor office job that gives me an opportunity of development.
You couldn't get a great, up to your standards job in your own country what makes you think that you can come to England and say 'hey I am a well eucated polish, why don't you take me on? give me some terrific well paid job that no other Brit deserves?

England owes as nothing so accusing the country of not giving us enough, instead of being grateful of what it is actually giving us, that is just being greedy and unthankful

How can lower wages benefit the economy? I see so many people talking about how econonic immigration has increased our great country, how can we sustain services to a high level with the the thousands flooding the country each week? Yes they are paying tax but the lower the wage the less tax, and this tax does not cover the services which they use, from an economics point of view, yes GB is doing well, as a country we are falling apart. IMHO.

Sadie