Gaming “Console”ation

With the imposing yuletide festivities of Christmas looming like some distant storm. The prospective showers and interminable cold encroaching on our limited outdoor recreations, coupled with the seasonal gloom, deepening economical deficit and a pervasive virus that has become 2020’s virulent barometer for crap, it can seem impossible to navigate this mass of tedium and escape its confines with any semblance of satisfaction. My most prominent method of staving off the exhausting monotony of life has been the now imminent release of the PlayStation 5. Having received a confirmation email, from one of the industries most unreliable retailers (GAME), confirming the dispatch of the games with world’s worst carrier services and accessories I’ve had pre-ordered for nearly 2 months, I feel somewhat vindicated in placing almost all of my emotional baggage into the acquisition of a games console.

This year has been tough for all concerned. The possible transference of a potentially fatal infection has prevented many of us from seeing family, particularly vulnerable relations. I for instance have had little contact with my Nan, who had only just recovered from a mini stroke shortly before a nation wide lockdown was enforced. Though I’ve maintained remote discourse with her, as she repeats the same ubiquitous anecdotes I’ve heard several times before, it is difficult too continually reassure her that we do care about her even though we haven’t visited, as she solemnly reflects on her crippling arthritis that now prohibits her from maintaining her garden. Something she has always loved. As for my job, which considering the mass redundancies that has afflicted many over the course of this year that should give me no right to complain, has become an emphatic disaster!

About a month ago I was encouraged to accept a promotion, with an added responsibility that doesn’t reflect the minimal authority or modest pay increase. Hesitant, largely due to my predecessors often erratic attitude to the position, I felt obliged to accept after the continuing insistence of my supervisor. Being a largely laid back individual, sedate and relatively organised in my approach to work, even I find the stress associated with this position an unbearable strain on my gradually unstable faculties. You quickly find that this isn’t a company operated by intelligent organised individuals, but rather a hive mentality where critical thinking is derided. Everyday you question why you agreed to the role, as well as a change of hours less conducive to your personal life. All this as you watch directors casually arrive at “work” in their newly acquired truck they purchased on a whim, simply because they have the finances at their disposal to adequately flaunt their privilege. But can still deny former employees, and personal friends, the opportunity to come back for the busy Christmas period. A gregarious character that provides much needed levity to an otherwise banal warehouse environment.

So I think it’s fair that all of us deserve even a modest amount of happiness. Even if its as simple as buying a new games console.

Happy gaming everyone.