Have We Become An Impatient Nation?
You’re in a hurry, aren’t you? I’d actually better get this article started quickly as apparently, 18% of you never read to the end of articles, which coincidentally is usually the best part of mine as that’s where I put my hints, tips, and any discount codes I have found.
With what’s happening in the World at the moment, it seems that being impatient has really come out at the forefront and is really starting to show how we are, as a nation. People getting up early to be the first in the supermarket and first to get their loo roll and other essentials, not bothered about other people who will go without.
But it’s not just these past few weeks that people have started to be impatient – it happens in all aspects of life, and even I am guilty of being impatient, with some things. It’s just, at the moment, it just seems like we seem to bet getting worse, as a nation. And we really do need to take a step back and realise that some things are just not important, we don’t need to have every little thing in our hands instantly, and we should just be happy with what we have.
A new study by promotional products retailer 4imprint.co.uk reveals the true extent to which Britain has become an impatient nation. Convenience is key nowadays and this means that a lot of businesses are having to change the way they operate, to suit the modern day people.
With the internet meaning that we can find answers to our questions instantly, 18% of people say that they often expect it in every aspect of life now. And we’re so used to being able to go online, get through to live chat straight away and deal with our problems instantly, that if we have to call someone and wait on hold for longer than 5 minutes, a quarter say they will hang up the phone. That is actually quite shocking, don’t you think?
The fact that I binge watch Netflix shows over a few days, rather than spreading it out over the weeks, as I am too impatient to wait, which means that I am one of the three in ten people that do this – I’m currently blasting my way through Sons Of Anarchy and have done the first series over the past 4 days!
The fact that my kids literally scream at the television when their video game lags, or crashes, or doesn’t quite load up fast enough. 13 % said they hate waiting for anything, and I can really see how bad some things are getting when it comes to patience. Of course, I remove my children from that situation if they become too bad, but just to realise that they feel as if it has to be fully operational all the time, just shows that we are becoming too reliant on technology being instant.
The survey was commissioned by 4imprint, a company that provides a 24 hours range of promotional products for those with tight deadlines to meet, and the findings show that the rise of a ‘Need it Now’ culture has caused an unprecedented shift in the way that companies are having to do business with modern day consumers.
I think now more than ever, we really need to take a step back, look at what we’re complaining about, and realise that we are lucky to have what we do.
19 Comments
Tracy Nixon
Yes, we are definately an impatient nation, always in a rush and stressing! I worked in Spain when I was younger and the Spanish are so much more layed back!
S Greiff
I don't wear a watch and haven't done for many many years because of this.
Margaret Gallagher
Yes ! Some more than others
Susan B
Yes! A very interesting and thoughtful post. I think I may be guilty, too.
sallyc06
Yes, people are impatient and I think I can be too at times
Nadia Josephine
Yes and I am probably guilty of this! I get frustrated having to wait – I need to learn to slow down
William G
Yes, you can see this in everyday life, tailgating being a prime example!
min
Yes…although I've noticed myself and loved ones slowing down massively this week.
X_MD_X
I think living in London it does become a part of you, everyone is in a rush and no one has time.
Vickyeaston1234
Definitely, I am worse now as I work for the NHS and we are trying to prepare.
Victoria Prince
I totally agree – and I hope that one of the things that will come out of this long term is making people slow down a bit, be patient and stop and appreciate the small things
Elaine Kidd
The current situation means that people are having to learn to be more patient. Waiting in line to even get into the supermarket might make people appreciate things more.
comperoo2002
we have become a very impatient age, although what we are going through at the moment is horrendous it may be the shock we need to bring us some patience back
paula cheadle
A lot of people are impatient, I am lucky that I've never been this way
Richard Saunders
Timely article – perhaps now we will reflect on what we have become and make some slight adjustments
Rebecca Nisbet
I am guilty of this at times
Baberooo
Definitely, particularly at work as I work for the NHS
Susie Wilkinson
I find that everyone wants everything now, as a medical receptionist people just demand everything now, and can't understand that the world doesn't revolve around them!
Beverley
Absolutely!