Picture this

What is it about this picture ? For me there’s a few things , but one stands out most of all . It’s the guy , a tradie , sitting down for a coffee early Friday afternoon . I also know this guy from somewhere , on site or some place in my not too distant past , but I just can’t finger it . I sat there with the kids and longed to be in his shoes , I’d forgotten how often I did this . He’s fit , in his 50’s , taking care of his to do list on his phone . He’s probably set his week up so as he can either kick back on an early Friday arvo or at least take time out for one late weekday job . It’s the whole picture that intrigues me ; the Buddha statue , the fresh seafood sign , the baskets and the framers workshop all in the background. The outdoor seating , the greenery , the quiet . In an hour or so this stretch will be much busier , but not the busy that I’m now accustomed to . He’s got the paper in front of him , probably with the back pages at his starting point so he can check the footy stories .You simply don’t see tradies that look like this guy over here ,and you certainly are not going to see him at a boutique cafe downing a latte or a cappuccino. Living in LA this is a poignant reminder of the class divide here .It’s normal to be served a good coffee , but that’s not all of the picture . This guy is a normal Aussie , and this is where I’ve got to be careful and make myself clear . He’s Anglo Saxon, probably and most likely earning very well ( a hundred grand , maybe more or a little less ) and he’s one of many that are in the same boat and can sit down and enjoy the same things . It’s easy to take it for granted , that’s what I did . I thought my job was a drag and totally unfulfilling. I did at times stop and think that I was lucky to be finished work early , getting the freedom to have a coffee or a beer at a cafe , especially when you work for yourself . This is where you are happy you’re not stuck in an office . Don’t worry there are plenty of tough days ….You’re body takes a beating and I think it’s one of the reasons we deserved to be paid well .

It’s when you get to live in another country , a big country with the strongest economy in the world that you realise just how lucky you had it . I always regretted dropping out of university but the money I earned muffled the noise ……..Now that I’m in California that noise has become deafening . Australia , it’s the lucky country .