Melbourne, Sep 8 (ANI): A new survey conducted has revealed that the modern day family is turning NETTEL – Not Enough Time To Enjoy Life.
According to a social researcher, modern families are so busy earning that they no longer have the time to enjoy the benefits.
Census statistics show that families with two full-time working parents and two dependent children under the age of 24 feel they need to earn more than 110,000 dollars a year to survive.
And to achieve their goals, they are willing to sacrifice family time, holidays and relaxation.
Census data shows “Nettel” families have increased by 39 percent between the 2001 and 2006 censuses.
Social researcher Bernard Salt says the new type of family now requires two full-time breadwinners to provide what they consider to be life’s basics.
The “Nettel” family is replacing the “traditional nuclear family” where there was just one breadwinner, leaving families with enough money but have problems managing the commitments of a demanding job and an even more demanding family life.
“Two full-time incomes are now required to cover the cost of everything from the mortgage and car repayments, ballet lessons, occasional meals out, orthodontist bills, multiple mobile phone bills as well as many other everyday items,” News.com.au quoted Salt as saying.
“Stressed out Nettel parents spend their evenings forever scheduling, organising and diarising about how to execute the next day’s business commitments amid their children’s pick-ups and drop-offs,” he said.
But Salt said many “revel” in over organising their lives as it makes them feel superior.
“By some bizarre twist of logic, many Nettels revel in the scheduling frenzy,” he said.
“In a materialistic go-getter world, a couple’s ability to juggle and to control life’s commercial and familial demands – when other lesser beings cannot- merely confirms their superior ‘alpha’ status.
“In other words, ‘we’re doing well, managing it all, making (and spending money) and you’re not’,” he added.
Figures show Canberra suburb Curtin is the worse when it comes to “Nettel” families. (ANI)