Adrian Chiles, a broadcaster and Guardian columnist, found himself unexpectedly plunged into serious soul-searching while filling out the National Survey for Wales. The survey, commissioned by the Welsh government since 2012, aims to gauge public opinion on public services and life in Wales. Chiles described the experience as dizzying, moving from trivial questions to deep, guilt-inducing reflections.
From Looseners to Deep Questions
The survey begins with basic questions about name, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and education. It then progresses to financial matters, asking about housing, ability to afford essentials, and heating costs. Chiles noted that each question seemed designed to highlight his privilege, making him aware that many others cannot afford basic necessities.
One question asked if he had run out of mobile phone data in the past year, which he had not. Another asked if he could use apps, which he could, but this reminded him of his late father who struggled with the concept. The survey then posed the penetrating question: "Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?" on a scale of 1 to 10. Having just established he could afford essentials, Chiles gave himself a 9, higher than he would have before starting the survey, avoiding a 10 to not sound smug.
Existential and Emotional Probes
The survey continued with questions about whether Chiles felt the things he did in life were worthwhile, how happy he felt yesterday, and whether he experienced a general sense of emptiness, felt rejected, or had enough close people. He answered no, no, and yes respectively, but recognized that this has not always been the case. He described the experience as akin to a tough-love therapy session, prompting gratitude and awareness of those who might tick boxes he hopes never to see ticked.
Despite the positive outcome, Chiles felt disappointed with himself regarding his diet, alcohol intake, and unimaginative exercise choices. He resolved to change this: "If I get chosen again to fill this thing in, I’m determined to be able to tick at least one of the 10 martial arts or combat sports suggested, as well as the hang-gliding. I’m 60 next year. It’s high time."
Impact of the Survey
Chiles received a £15 voucher for completing the survey, which initially seemed generous but later felt insufficient given the time and emotional effort required. By the end, he wondered if he should be paying the surveyors for the opportunity to reflect. The survey, which has been running since 2012, is designed to collect data on public services and life satisfaction in Wales.
Chiles concluded that the survey was a welcome prod to be grateful and to be grimly aware of others' struggles. He added, "I’m going to put the latter right. If I get chosen again to fill this thing in, I’m determined to be able to tick at least one of the 10 martial arts or combat sports suggested, as well as the hang-gliding."
