The Apprentice out of touch?

[HeyWayne]

Serious debate time.

I know, I know, most uncharacteristc of me but we all have our moments I guess.

It struck me the other evening. I don't watch the programme, but have seen episodes and have never particularly enjoyed it, but understand the premise.

I had the feeling that the current economic climate may change the perceptions/popularity of the programme (and its contestants). It just seems as though the culture of greed/power/material posessions is increasingly becoming "out of favour" in a shift toward less materialistic values - friends/family/time etc.

Is it just me, or might this recession have a silver lining (and by that I don't mean the demise of The Apprentice) and change our culture for the better?

I'm going to have a sit down now.

[zazen999]

I'd like to think so...however judging by the news yesterday, people in the big city right down south [London] are still getting hiked bonuses.

Ridiculous - some bosses are 'giving them up so that they can concentrate on the story being about the company not about them'....as soon as it is safe to do so they will revert to type.

[Alison]

I really like the programme but would never want to be like or with any of the people on it. I find it incredible that people who think so much of themselves can't do basic tasks but the real stars of the show are Nick and Margaret who are Sir Alan's right hand (wo)men. Their eye rolling is hilarious.

Re the recession etc, quite a lot of people from my work are voluntarily reducing their working hours which will hopefully put their lives into context if they use the hours to spend time with their families or whatever. However, on the flip side, well over half my friends are having major relationship problems which I believe are being exaserbated by money worries and I would not wish that on anybody.

[di]

Big Brother starts tomorrow!

Apologies...on a more serious note,although like you I've never "properly" watched it,the odd times I have I've thought a similar thing,but then a lot of stuff on TV seems rather out of touch to me...but maybe that's the appeal to them...watching & dreaming what your life "could" be if you had a high powered job accompanied by the high earnings???

[zazen999]

For me, the appeal is that I worked in a high powered role in a large corporate organisation under alot of stress and enjoy seeing the tasks as we used to have to do alot of what they do [although in different contexts].

Glad I don't do it any more.

[Alison]

but maybe that's the appeal to them...watching & dreaming what your life "could" be if you had a high powered job accompanied by the high earnings???

Not for me at all, love my life as it is and don't waste time dreaming it is different, don't want a high powered job and all that comes with it. Doesn't mean that I have to want their lifestyle to enjoy the programme. Watched a murder mystery the other day, didn't make me dream of coshing OH over the head for some insurance money

[di]

Watched a murder mystery the other day, didn't make me dream of coshing OH over the head for some insurance money

Not even for a split second???

[Alison]

Not even for a split second???

Nah, it'd make too much mess, much better to fiddle with the brakes on his bike.................

Note - if for some hideous reason he does have a brakes not working accident in the next few weeks, I'd like to cover myself now by saying that this was a joke!!!!!!

[HeyWayne]

but maybe that's the appeal to them...watching & dreaming what your life "could" be if you had a high powered job accompanied by the high earnings???

LadyWayne in her other life looks after high paid earners and I have to say, I'd rather be as I am. All well and good earning vast sums of money - but if you're never there to spend it...

Plus if it goes belly up (as it has for so many), it's a chuffing long way to fall.

We have a few "friends" who work/worked in the silly banking sector and I have to say that often when they get together it reminds me of the business card scene in American Psycho. So shallow and self centred - but that's my opinion.

As for Big Brother - you can shush right now young lady!

[HeyWayne]

Nah, it'd make too much mess, much better to fiddle with the brakes on his bike.................

Note - if for some hideous reason he does have a brakes not working accident in the next few weeks, I'd like to cover myself now by saying that this was a joke!!!!!!

Ah the old double bluff!

Saw that on Murder She Wrote once.

Like it.

*taps nose

[taskey]

I know the economy is in s**t state at the moment, but i do agree that it is making people realise that money is not everything. i do sympathise with people who have lost their houses and jobs and i would hate to be in that position.

I think that people across the world have become comfortable 'just sticking it on the card' and paying for it later.

Also i think that as more people are struggling with money, they might actually start to take an interest in cooking at home and not wasting their money on high fat food. We as a family went through a stint of eating take away 4 - 5 times a week as we were too busy working. We were gradually getting bigger while our bank balance was getting smaller. We have now put a stop to it and we eat out once a week if we feel like it, every thing i prepare (and now attempt) to grow from scratch. We are reducing in size and we have money in our wallets.

Alison, I keep joking with my hubby about upping his life insurance but then realise, he is worth more alive than dead - as he is still earning then when he pops his clogs i get the insurance money too - winner winner chicken dinner

Tracy

[daisybee]

I truly hope you are right about the 'silver lining' HeyWayne. A couple of years back OH was working min 60 hour week, I was working average 70-80 hours a week, teenage children feeling very neglected and take-aways more nights than I care to remember. Eventually I became ill and now don't work. Homelife is fantastic, family all much happier, finances a struggle but the benefits far outway the downfalls and I totally agree with Taskey about the amount of money we were wasting on high fat 'food'. First time ever growing loads of own veg this year and OH feels like he has his wife back!

[maytreefrannie]

I enjoy the Apprentice - but I'd never want to have That Job and I'd never want to try so hard to get it.

It amazes me that the participants actually want to stay on - I think I'd be relieved to be out of it if I saw that Famous Finger pointing at me and saying You're Fired!!!

[amandaandherveg]

Oooh.... It's the interviews tonight isn't it? - watch them squirm. Margaret's fab!

[MaureenHall]

Oooh.... It's the interviews tonight isn't it? - watch them squirm. Margaret's fab!

and this is where all the lies on the CV's come out Love it - wouldn't want to do it though!