You know my mate George? Hes always been a bit of a chanceralways on the lookout for the easy life, really. He used to joke, Mate, my wifes mums loadedwell never need to work a day in our lives! And he actually believed it, too.
George went out of his way to win over this girl, Emily, who came from a well-off family in London. Thing is, it was pretty clear he didnt really love her. It was all about the life he thought hed haveno stress, no slog, just living off someone elses success. What made me laugh, though, was that Emily herself had no clue about making money; the real brains was her mum, who ran a handful of big shops around the city.
I tried to have a word with George one night over a pint. I told him, You honestly think theyre just going to support you? Wouldnt it feel better to have your own job, be your own person? But he just brushed it off. Oh, relax, mate. Weve got a baby on the way now. They trust me completely! He was proper chuffed with himself.
I just couldnt get my head around it. It didnt sit right with metaking advantage of someone like that. Its only fair to pull your weight, isnt it? A man should get out there and provide for his family.
After a little while, I started wondering what they got up to all day, so I gave George a ring. Turns out neither he nor Emily were working. Theyd just sit about at home, playing video games, watching telly, or napping. Emilys mum had been footing the bill for everything. Ill admit, I was a tiny bit enviousGeorge had pulled it off.
He kept boasting, Emilys mums got loads of money. Well never need to graft! He was loving his cushy lifestyle.
But, as youd expect, things didn’t stay rosy for long. Emilys mums business hit a rough patch, profits dropped big time, and suddenly she needed help running things. She offered George and Emily jobs to keep things afloat.
About a month after we last caught up, my phone went off. It was Georgehe sounded worried for once, asking if I could lend him five grand for a couple of weeks.
Im looking for work, mate. Got an interview lined up, soon as I get my first pay packet Ill pay you back. Were completely skint, he said, sounding down for the first time ever.
And just like that, his days of living easy were over. Since then, theyve both been working. He did pay me back, to be fair! But so much for the dream of a rich family solving everything. Honestly, you cant rely on anyone else for your happiness or security. Best thing is to stand on your own two feetthen you know where you are in life.
