Is it that time of the year, or is it the pressure we are all dealing with as a country? Stress has jumped into our lives with great ferocity. The only question is why? I mean, we are not Joburg filled with madness, busy traffic and overworked people…or are we?
The growing demand for town betterment coupled with the stresses and competition of modern day living could be playing a role. This coupled with the festive season and all the expenses that go with it, do not aid our stress levels. The once calm people of good old Newcastle, are starting to sound and stress like New Yorkers.
The Newcastillian hit the streets of Newcastle to determine why Newcastillians are so stressed out. This is what our awesome readers had to say.
Stephen Albertus
As the centre manager for Newcastle Corner, Stephen deals with residents on a regular basis. “I think the economy is part of the reason why people are stressing at the moment. It is also that part of the year, where people are preparing to go away for the holidays and they are stressing if everything is going to be alright while they are away from home.”
Veronique Gaud Hunter
Veronique is the owner of Prime Properties and deals with real estate on a regular basis. “People have been struggling to sell their properties for the past two years, which adds to stress levels. But this problem is not solely related to Newcastle, it is an issue everywhere, including places like London.”
She also states a lack of employment contributes to stress. “There is no work and if a person does find employment, they don’t necessarily get paid well. Then there is the Christmas season to think about, which means extra expenses. After that, there is back to school shopping.”
Rishi Nanan
Rishi is an architect and owns his own company called Arch Cube.
“I think the current financial situation of the municipality is slightly concerning for many.”
Thabani Mthembu
Thabani works in retail, allowing him to view people’s concerns at ground level. “There are fewer job opportunities and with certain big companies closing down, people are stressed.”
Also read: Is the whole of Karbochem shutting down? We asked Chairman Abraham Brink
Adele Twala
“The economy is going down, along with expenditure going up, this all contributes to stress levels. With Black Friday coming this adds to stress in terms of expenditure,” says Adele who works in the retail industry.
Are these the only reasons that Newcastillians are stressed? Let us know what your views are on what stresses Newcastillians out in the comment section below.
