UK here, on an apprenticeship and earning £40,000+ a year.

Recognise I’m exceptionally lucky but no idea how anyone could afford to complete a degree while living independently in current times.

The last time my dad called was 16 years ago when my mum was bleeding out after surgery and we didn’t know if she was going to make it.

Other than that, it’s WhatsApp messages, and they’re usually about the dog.

I would 100% think someone had died if my dad called.

I now need to use 4 paper straws for a drink rather than one plastic one because they go squishy. I’m not sure that’s any better.