ErrantBrit

Couple of the lads are going to be my bestman and groomsman. We've stayed in touch over the years but I found the biggest thing was to keep it relaxed, so as not to allow resentment to grow. We live in different countries but I try and check in with them when I'm home to visit my parents. Whatsapp has helped a lot to check that they're still alive and doing ok. I am 39, soon to be 40, and it is a weird time. It's not necessarily easy - or even going to work out like you hoped, but if there's people on your mind - reaching out has never been easier, and at midlife - why wait!

The light breeze you felt in the shade was probably baltic for them

Saw some foreign lads and lasses coming from the factory in various layers yesterday - maybe its cold for them! filipinos would be my guess but not sure.

Edward…. A good strong name. Ted as a nickname.

I don’t know where you’re from, but some British culinary suggestions: There are many fine dining establishments in London doing modern British cuisine. That has a lot of modern culinary traditions (foam Abby!) but will have a British twist. Meat - you can go to a single dish resturant and be we well served in London, think steakhouse/chophouse - there are a few in London with a long history. I find British sausages to be very good so go to a butcher and buy some. A sausage sandwich made with quality sausages is a British institution in my mind. Pork pies (already mentioned) are good fun. Cornish pasties are also worth a try, I am not sure how good they are in London. There must be somewhere! Pies in general that are honemade are worth a shout - again a British institution. Cheeses (already mentioned) this is a great idea as we’ve got such a wide array of cheeses, chutneys and other accompaniments. A cream team is a nice treat and very English/West Country. Fish - we have quite a mixed fishing tradition here in terms of where we are today. Access to fish very high. You can try fish and chips and it can be lovely. I personally would go more upmarket if you can afford it. I once had a butter sauce with a citrusy herb oil topping and it was revelatory with the sea fish I had it with (can’t remember - I think it was Bream). Best of luck on your foodie journey.

Think for the right person the armed forces offers fantastic growth opportunities and life experiences: but it comes at a cost - think active warzones, poor-ish pay, institutional bullshit. My dad was in and a lifer (REME - direct NCO entrance in the 1960s), he enjoyed his time but on mandatory retirement he was spat out and had to get his shit together basically on his own and fairly sharpish. The army did try and support him (exit training etc) and the pension (at that time was decent) helped but for many they struggle going into civie-street. That said that was the 90s so I expect there are plenty of new opportunities available post-forces. If you do go into the forces the only advice my father said was - get a trade, at least you'll get some qualifications that you can take with you. You might missed the most, most bullshit of jobs too. I'm not sure driver counts towards this but then again there's worse you can be doing. Finally, getting a trucking licence probably would allow you to do a similar sort of job, for much more money, so if the idea of service to the country doesn't float your boat, and you want to max out your earning maybe look into that. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

I'm not going to say it, but you'd be surprised!

Just gonna chime in, I'm English, my surname is the name of an English city, people have got it wrong my whole life - you get used to correcting.

Tree planter, or anything that gets you outside and working with your hands.

The ultimate hybrid forward!

Your man a lock or prop?

Do what you love (as long as its legal, moral, and you're getting paid).

I no longer dishonour myself using spoons, I just eyeball it. Probs like yourself it’s 3-4 teaspoons.

Same as when a man gets called it by a woman: rosy cheeks, maybe a cheeky wink and finger guns?

Got a lasagne without a white sauce component at a resturant. Never left a Google review so quick. Tried to be honest and light hearted with the review but still got to the crux of the matter.

Instant noodles, always enjoyable even the poor quality/British ones.

Former woodworker here: like you I did GCSEs and then A Levels, but didn’t go to university and decided to do a trade at 21. I was doing a night course in carpentry through the local college, it was ok. I then, by luck, got an informal apprenticeship working on a traditional wood ship. I stayed in this sector for 3 years before realising it wasn’t for me, did a degree in forestry and now work in that sector. I still like woodwork but only potter a little. My advice: • A night course could be a good way in. • part-time or even full-time courses will only take you so far. You need to find work and this can be difficult as most apprentice pay is shite. • Your friend or father might be able to get you a contact who can take you on as a labourer/informal apprentice. • If you do find someone to take you on, you need to look into formalised apprentice qualifications. Without them you’re going nowhere long-term. • Furniture making is more niche, but maybe easier to find potential mentors. • Pay in woodwork is generally shite. Building site types probably make good enough money, as master furniture makers etc - but it’s a long road. • 24 isn’t too old to get into a trade role but it’s much harder because pay is shit at first. • A job in a woodworking factory, sawmill, or other wood-based business might be a good supplementary job if you can find it. Shipwrighting is fun, but hard, messy work. Pay atrocious. Forestry is great, but hard work. Pay can be pretty decent. Being on the tools isn’t for everyone though. 

Just find a jacket that pairs with the trousers and your own colours. This is often quite a good look! Be careful not to be too flashy though. Oxfam online often has many jackets for relatively cheap. On the grandad shirt might work with this but I’ll let you decide, a tie looks much better with a jacket.

This confuses me….  Unsettling….

That's cool, works out less well when you wanna buy a house, have kids though.

As long as the pay is good I wouldn't care.

Forestry - management is generally a degree route, but stuff like machine operator doesn't require higher education and can be lucrative, if time intensive too. It's a great sector but you gotta love it, its not for tourists long-term.

Soccer ball? 

It’s cheap

Cheltenham, travellodge, and have fun around the town. If its sunny it will be glorious.

Crisps, chocolate

Wheaten bread, home made jam, quality butter? That what I imagine lads in Yorkshire in the 50s enjoyed?

Skoda Yeti: master race/old lady car.

Maybe wait for the job offer and decide then? 

Gold top. 

Fair, I might have been a tad harsh in what you were trying to do. In a party, I wouldn’t immediately slink away.

Fighting, militarism, cuisine (it’s deeper than the stereotype), drinking (beer, cider, whisky), multiculturalism - this is modern British culture.

Oof, please sure you lead with this in conversations so that if I ever meet you I know to politely leave asap.

I dunno, enjoy early retirement I guess, and stop being miserable?

As a manager, maybe even a senior manager at this point because I’m old: I order you not to feel guilty.

Firstly, to a large extend this is all in your mind, you're going to have to overcome your 'issue' with your own height. You're 22 so thats ok - now's a good time to come to terms with yourself. If your a physical person - maybe look into rugby (or touch rugby). The position scrum half has traditionally been filled by shorter, but scrappy indivduals. It is a premier position. If you back yourself, and have confidence you could have fun developing in this position. Its a team sport so plenty of camraderie. Ultimately, you could play any sport you want to. At 22 year old you have the whole world in front of you. Back yourself and don't focus on your perceived 'weaknesses'.

Just gonna put it out there: I’ve only ever been on the periphery of construction trades (trad shipbuilding in a previous life). Welding seems to have a lot of potential health downside - as does metalwork (I knew a linnisher/polisher who pivoted to welding). I think the money can be really good, especially if you get rated (?) for underwater work and similar. But just thought I mention the health aspect. Yeah trades fuck over your knees etc anyway, but welding seems like it could have some specific impacts. Maybe check on this before committing to the career. Best of luck with it anyway. If you’re motivated you’ll find your feet eventually, in whatever endeavour you end up pursuing.

She’s only 2.5, but she can chill with me as long as she wants. Wouldn’t even mind a nudge off the cliff into the sea when the time is right.

At a graduate management scheme my workplace put me on, the educator said that it’s not a negotiation until both parties have stated their price. While I agree these people might be annoying, if questioned I would put a very high salary - maybe +£50k more than I’m on. This should allow them to disclose their figure and save you hanging up. Yes they might be shit recruiter, but that doesn’t mean their isn’t opportunities that their bringing.

Embrace differences! 

Came here to say it: has influenced my life no end. A true masterpiece. Just got re-released with updated graphics if anyone wants to give it a go.

€4,500 in Cheltenham. 

I didn't take it as an A Level, but did get 100% at AS level (before I dropped it). Always too pride in this score! In terms of my life - yeah its pretty rad.

Just on this, Cheltenham might be a shout too - less coastal more forests and countryside.

I'm 39, yes I have a gravy boat (from tescos I think) and have done so for 5 odd years.

Traditional ship building, forestry. Chase ya dreams kids.

I don't know it that well, but I do use it on the phone during business calls if I need to spell something out. Would definitely use it on friends, and take the ribbing with good humour while spelling Alpha Sierra Sierra Charlie Lima Oscar Whiskey November.

Post-birth your partner is going to be a wreck. My partner seemed okay but upon reflection she said she really struggled with it all, despite me supporting her best as I could. Key things that were helpful: 1. We split overnight duties. My daughter wouldn't sleep without touch and I ended up letting her sleep on my belly on the couch. This probably wasn't the best way, but we made it work. 2. Blood loss after birth was highlighted. I'd give herself scrambled eggs, with crumbled fried black pudding on top, normally 3-4 times a week. Easy to make. Decadent, but nutritionally dense and spirit-raising during the hard times. Kiwi's were mentioned as being good in this department too. 3. Breastfeeding. It's good! If your partner wants to do this you have to support her. Nipple shields a must at the start. Its your own decision but the benefits were a) no bottles to clean which is a ballache b) poo's don't stink for a while vs formual (not a big deal) c) child piggy-backs off mother immune system (this is the real money-melon as who wants a sick baby) d) mother benefits too with a reduction in breast cancer risk. There's other benefits too but those are the top of my head. 4. Soothers - we used them, no regrets but we're at 2.5 years old and she won't leave it alone. If you can drop them before 1-1.5 years it might be easier. 5. It goes so quick. Just enjoy the experience - good and bad. It is a privilege. Best of luck fellow future parent.

Go on… slap my head if you want.

We’re still about, keeping the economy going, being the backbone of society, invisible.