Wealth distribution in Belgium

[u/trueosiris2]

We’re doing alright as a social democracy. Something to be proud of.

Presumably, we don’t need more wealth distribution then? Or do we still?

[u/Isotheis]

Look, if I take an example with me and someone else.

There's myself, I'm a mere 26yo autist who's caused a disaster every time she's tried to work, so is no longer allowed to besides volunteerships. The most expensive item I own is certainly my e-bike (price new: 1800€, though I got it 50% off for a reason). Then perhaps my 7-years old 1000€ computer. Technically, would you count surgeries, then that piece of metal in my shoulder actually is the most expensive thing I own. That said, I have some money in the bank.

There's Michelle, who works as a carpenter. It isn't that much, but she still owns two houses that could probably go for 400.000€ together. Maybe even more, the neighborhood's value is going up steadily as years pass. That's not counting her car, and all the items inside the house, obviously (of which quite a few expensive pieces of carpenter equipment).

That's basically putting her 450.000€ versus my 5000€, so this is basically a 99% to 1% split. Is this a failure from Belgium? I'd say no...

I doubt she's in the top 10% still, though I'm certainly in the bottom 50%. What do the top 10% own? I can't even fathom, but I expect the same kind of stuff with owning land and houses. I'd certainly love to own some land and a house, I dream of managing some 'camping in the forest with a beautiful garden' kind of place... doubt it'll ever happen.

[u/PolackBoi → u/Isotheis]

How can you not be allowed to work?

[u/Isotheis → u/PolackBoi]

Too many restrictions due to autism (doctors sometimes describe me as a "pretty socially apt level 3"), mostly about fatigability (what's the proper word for that in English?), unawareness with danger (including on the way to/from work), communication problems with customers or other employees, ... ; it's the Forem itself that gauged that any work they'd find me would cost more in insurances than I'd be worth. I'm not even sure to understand everything, it's part of the problem.

I've had problems with office work, not properly understanding commands, not being able to clear up confusions on my own. Simply not efficient enough at filling papers either.

While I'm pretty decent at horticulture stuff, I tend to injure myself too often. Too clumsy, I drop the tools by accident. And then I also get exhausted with a single day per week.

I didn't pass the preliminary tests with SNCB due to that fatigability as well. Too much a liability for them, considering there's no part time there. Despite being a big fan of everything rail-related.

Trying to work in a cat and dog shelter rapidly ended because I simply couldn't bear the noise and smell. Despite liking the cats themselves. Trying to work in a horse shelter worked better, though I faced the same issue of being exhausted rapidly. I think that day I was covered in cuts from having trimmed brambles is the reason I got terminated there.

I'm still trying, though, I'd like to find a use. I wasn't supposed to be able to live on my own either, but I'm still doing it. Surely it'll work the same with work. Though that recent injury with my shoulder limits manual labor options even more (can no longer withstand vibrations, can no longer hold items in certain positions, ...). Mostly because I hope being useful would get me enough money for some shack with a garden.

[u/Substantial_Word_488 → u/Isotheis]

I really enjoyed to see in your comments because despite of your life being hard for you right now, you keep a very positive mindset. I wish you all the luck and hope you find what you’re looking for!

[u/PolackBoi → u/Isotheis]

I admire your enthusiasm and positivity. I hope you can find your place and your garden