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Welcome to Life in the Hard Lane – where real-life stories of unexpected setbacks transform into powerful lessons of resilience and growth.
In a world where vulnerability is often exploited, knowledge and understanding become the strongest defenses. Through experience, we learn that mistakes, failures, and betrayals are not just obstacles—they are opportunities to gain insight, build strength, and move forward with wisdom.
Story 1.
The Illusion of Justice | A 2.5-Year Battle |They Walked Away
What happens when the system built to protect you… doesn’t?
After a 2.5-year ordeal battling my insurer, the repairer, and the so-called independent ombudsman AFCA, I was left financially and emotionally devastated. This is my story of how AFCA—the Australian Financial Complaints Authority—failed to deliver fair, impartial, or meaningful resolution.
In this video, I share my first-hand experience, break down the systemic flaws in Australia's dispute resolution framework, and ask the hard questions about transparency, accountability, and corporate influence.
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Story 2.
Is AFCA an illusion of justice?
What is your Take?
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an independent industry-funded agency, handles complaints concerning financial losses. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an independent industry-funded agency, handles complaints concerning financial losses due to actions by banks, insurance companies, or superannuation funds...
"I believe we need courts and a justice system that allow consumers fair judicial determination on a feasible basis — both financially accessible and free from bias. AFCA should operate as a systemic support network, providing resources such as supporting lawyers in all disputes leading up to litigation, rather than making internal judgments to resolve matters when they are paid by the vary commodities the complaints are against. - Erika
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Story 3.
Caught in the Crossfire: My Business vs. a Money Laundering Scam Here in Australia, it’s critical to understand that “cleaning money” through laundering, no matter the circumstances, is a serious crime that will land you in Jail. Let me share a quick story, and I’ll wrap it up with some crucial takeaways at the end...
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Story 4. - May 10th
Is RPL a Shortcut or a Scam for Automotive Trades? Have years of hands-on experience in the automotive trade but no formal qualification? You might not need to start from scratch. In this episode of Life in the Hard Lane, I walk you through how I earned my Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing using Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) — without sitting in a classroom or taking formal exams. I’ll explain:
• What RPL is and who it’s for
• How the assessment process works
• What kind of evidence you need
• The costs, timelines, and common challenges
• Whether it's really worth it – I’m not sure at this stage…
If you're a spray painter, refinisher, or tradesperson who's been in the game for years, this could be the legit pathway to get nationally certified in Australia — fast.
⚙️ Real talk. No fluff. Just the honest experience of someone who's done it.
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Story 5. - May 17th
Are You Ignoring the #1 Silent Threat in Your Shop? The Silent Killer in Automotive Restoration Shops Every automotive vehicle restoration shop across the country is dealing with this issue one way or another. It’s one of those problems that’s easy to identify but incredibly hard to fix. I have had it in my own shop in New Zealand and at that time I just didn’t have the knowledge, business foundation or support network to navigate through it. And Yet, the consequences are serious enough to make or break a business.
"Staff must be aligned with each project’s objectives. It is the responsibility of the Director, Owner, and senior decision-makers to ensure systems are in place to support this alignment and maintain accountability." - Erika
Share Your Story
I want to hear your story—tell me about the hardships you’ve faced and how you navigated through them. What your ah-ha moments were, good, bad or indifferent and any key realizations from the injustice or hardship predicament. What your circumstance were. How did people react to your situation. Was there misconception? Was there any obstructions. Was there help? What was that Help. And, IF, you could change anything, what would that be?
You can share your story in writing or via a dictaphone/phone recording. I will rewrite your story and send you a YouTube version for approval before publishing. In the disclaimer, you'll find details about my intent to publish and my efforts to ensure transparency. I also plan to implement a clear financial management model. Please note that if you opt for both the YouTube and publishing aspects, there will be a significant delay before the book is published while I build momentum.
Please complete the contact form below.
While there is a disclaimer and legal modifications may be applied, please know that I'm fully committed to faithfully and respectfully sharing your story.
Let’s get real and help each other out.
Kind Regards, Erika.
Disclaimer
By submitting your story through this website, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
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Modification for Privacy:
Your submitted narrative may be edited, including the alteration of names, identifying details, and other personal characteristics, to protect your privacy and minimize the risk of defamation claims.
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Publication Consent:
You grant permission for your modified story to be published on the YouTube channel "Life in the Hard Lane" and any other affiliated platforms. This publication is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only.
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Monetary Support:
Contributions made via "Buy Me a Coffee" or similar support channels are solely used to fund the growth and development of the channel, aimed at helping others through shared experiences. These contributions are made in good faith, with no obligation for return or compensation from the channel or its creators.
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Good Faith & No Obligation:
All suggestions, offerings, and contributions are provided in good faith. The channel and its creators assume no obligation to reciprocate or provide compensation for any support, feedback, or submissions received.
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Data Security & Usage:
We are committed to protecting your personal information. Your submitted data will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy and used exclusively for content creation, community engagement, and the growth of the channel. We take reasonable measures to ensure the security of your information.
By submitting your story, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms. You also release the channel "Life in the Hard Lane" and its operators from any liability arising from the use or modification of your submission.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through our the contact submission form.
Please note that all story submissions may be edited for privacy and legal purposes, and by submitting your story you consent to these modifications and grant permission for publication on "Life in the Hard Lane" You Tube Channel and related platforms.
My aim is to help create a more transparent world—one where individuals support each other, are treated fairly, and are empowered by integrity and honesty rather than scams. I hold myself accountable to these principles and am committed to fostering hope and genuine support, especially for those who have experienced significant personal losses similar to myself.
Erika B Armstrong
Want to help me?
These videos demand a great deal of time, effort, and energy. If you find value in what I create and would like to give back, please consider buying me a coffee, or like and subscribe to my Channel.
Your support means the world.
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