Nerdy down under ...
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Check Mate
It’s funny how Australia, whilst producing some of the coolest, smartest nerds in the world seems to lose these people, or simply forget them rather quickly. Our Prime Minister down here is arguably the biggest and most powerful nerd that Australian politics has seen. Well aside from John Howard, who is a terrible cricketer/bowler and oddly resembles Mr. Sheen. For those of you who aren’t familiar with us Aussies, our leader K-Rudd graduated from high school as dux, worked as a diplomat, a senior official in state government, and as a consultant to help Aussie firms establish and build business links in China and in Taiwan. He was also the first follower I had on twitter. I have a sneaking suspicion though if Kevin Rudd wasn’t our PM he would most likely be lost long ago to one of the many countries that nurtures and respects intellectual talents.
The list of Aussies we have lost to other countries is long and illustrious. Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Rupert Murdoch, Anthony LaPaglia just to name a few. But the question is why? What is offered overseas that we don’t have on our own doorstep? Could it be that our government underestimates us as a group and does not reward entrepreneurs? The best example of this is probably our punishing tax rates. If you’re an Aussie and smart enough to make it big over here, our government will take 40% of your money once you earn above $80,000 ($75,550 USD) per year. Seems like a lot doesn’t it? Wait till you hit it really big! Earn in excess of $180,000PA ($163,190 USD) and you can kiss 45% of your wage gone in taxes. Comparatively in the US you may earn just over $78,850 and are taxed at 28%. Furthermore your highest tax rate does not kick in until you earn in excess of $357,700 and then it is a much smaller rate of 35%. The question must be asked, why is it so? Australia’s average wage is $57,324, so where will we find the motivation to put forth our business ideas if the rewards simply aren’t there? I love being nerdy and know a lot of nerdy people who have the skill, but not the motivation to make it big. I love that we have a nerd as our leader. I just wonder if it’s time for a change to the way the Australian government nurtures and rewards us? Maybe Mr. Rudd will jump on board and help? Will he stay true and nerdy like the rest of us, or will he continue to let a lot of good talent slip away? Love to hear your thoughts on this, especially if you’re a fellow Aussie. Until next time keep thinkin’ and talkin’ nerdy lovers.
<<<Get to know Check Mate aka Nate G.>>>
I'm originally a country boy now living in the big smoke AKA the city of Melbourne. Love my computers and technology.
Been playing with PC's since I was in grade 6 and breaking them. Sometimes I'd have to learn quick before my folks found out I'd buggered up the PC
Ahhhh I spent many a rainy day after school in the computer room and library. I have odd music tastes, tend to catch onto "cool" trends way late!
I was never the "popular" kid at school. One of those who just got by and through it without being awesome or tragically picked on.
Always had my own sense of style and was a thinker. Definitely never been a muscle-man. And I secretly love those "nerdy librarian" type girls.
I used to hide in the library and read with the intelligent kids, never great at sports. But love them and love the analysis that can come with.
Guess you could say I'm one of those technical nerds who likes to know about the workings of man and machine and especially tech, sports and cars.
Completed a Business Degree in Marketing in my home town of Albury and was most recently working for a large retail chain selling computers.
At 31 years of age (today in fact) I'm looking for a career change and new adventures.