The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: RedMaple on January 24, 2015, 09:39:22 PM
-
My downstairs neighbor is driving me insane. He listens to the radio very loudly at all hours of the night. I've spoken to him but he doesn't give a fuck. Also, I spoke to my landlord regarding this issue and he doesn't care. My rent has sky rocketed since I moved in 4 years ago. My area has become very trendy and I live very close to everything. My lease is due to renew right now. The new rent is 1550 for 2 years. For 1 year it's almost the same price.
The few apartments in my area that are 100 - 200 cheaper are much smaller than my current apartment. My current apartment isn't huge but it's ok. I like the layout. Apartments 100 - 200 more expensive are much bigger (1 bedroom, while I have a studio).
I'm currently unemployed, and hopefully will be unemployed for the next couple of years because I will be returning back to school. I do have savings, but I plan to pay cash for school. This is really dependent on how I do on the GMAT. I have started studying for it again. Last year when I attempted to study I bombed it - although now I think I should do better because I understand the proper way of studying. I'm taking a study course at coursera.org and I'm using the pomodoro technique. I don't want to give up on school yet. It will help my career.
I've looked at other neighborhoods but they aren't as convenient for groceries, I don't have a car, and my commute will double if not triple when I either go to school or find a job. The rent is generally 1300+. Also, since I'm unemployed, it will be more difficult to find a place. Most of the places request a paystub. My parents will be guarantors but again, I do have money to pay for everything. I cannot live with my parents, that's out of the question. And I'm too old for roommates. I had one and it drove me crazy, crazier than my downstairs neighbor. Generally I'm a home body and I need my own space. I spend most of my time at home since my work contract ended.
I'm sorry for rambling... what do you think I should do? Should I risk killing my downstairs neighbor or should I not resign my lease and hope that I would be able to find an apartment that's a 100-200 less and doesn't require to be employed? The thing is, I'm not guaranteed that my new neighbors will be better than my current one. But at the same time I know this neighbor and he sucks!
-
See if you can find another place while you still have time. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
-
Then I'd have to pay for 2 apartments. Or are you suggesting just to go and see what's available so that I could make a decision?
-
Sleep with earplugs?
-
when you aren't home, play your music very loud too.
Wait n see if anyone compains
-
Sleep with earplugs?
I can still hear. I've tried putting on my earphones and listening to white noise, but the white noise had to be so loud that I couldn't fall asleep. I have complained when that happened. Also, earphones are really not comfortable to sleep in. I have fans running 24/7 so that it's less noisy.
-
when you aren't home, play your music very loud too.
Wait n see if anyone compains
I'm always home. Actually the best revenge would be to wear high heels when I'm home, but that would mean he would be a bigger dick and not turn down his radio when I knock at his door at 3am. My thoughts are ridiculous.
-
Go see what's available before you make your decision.
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones. Thats what I did when I lived in queens next to a practicing band. Not much you can do about feeling the bass, though.
Can't say I miss NYC..
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones.
I work nights and sleep during the day. No one tries to be quiet during the day, so I definitely feel your pain :) Dilinger is completely right. There is a world of difference between headphones with white noise and ear plugs. White noise is mostly useful for periodic, not too loud noises. Think if you did have a roommate, how they might not be super loud, but would occasionally make noises that might disturb you. It's like buying brown carpet vs white so the stains don't show. When someone is being a loud, noisy dickhead, it's more like someone dumped a bucket of paint on your carpet, vs small stains that you could disguise or camoflauge. You need earplugs. In our carpet metaphor, earplugs would be like covering your eyes so you can't see the carpet at all. Who cares how dirty it is. I would start with cheap ones from the drug store. They are not comfortable to sleep in, but it sounds like moving would be a real hassle for you.
Maybe whenever you see the guy, bitch about the rising rent prices. Maybe you can sow some seeds of discontent and he'll go elsewhere.
-
Couldn't you call the police to deal with your neighbor?
-
Try ear putty instead of ear plugs. I find it much more effective.
But I would second those saying get out and look at what options are available. Also consider what will happen if you bomb the GMATs again. I don't want to be negative but generally people who repeat these things don't do massively better the second time (like kids taking SATs over and over). Of course there's plenty of exceptions but what's going to happen if you don't end up back in school?
-
Forgive me for asking an entirely unrelated question - if you're getting a business degree, why not work through school a bit? Does your preferred school have an option like that?
I don't recommend eating up your savings doing it, but I worked through both my undergrad and masters degrees and am much further along career and world-wise as a result. I found my part-time school mates were a bit older and had more career experience, and most of us changed jobs in the couple years we were in the program. The full time, unemployed, younger students on the other hand, had a much harder time of it. Their MBAs were not magic money making machines for them upon graduation.
Just food for thought - for me, I have relatively more financial freedom as a result. I'm frugal by choice, not necessity, and that's a luxury I'm happy to have!
-
Flood him out
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones. Thats what I did when I lived in queens next to a practicing band. Not much you can do about feeling the bass, though.
Can't say I miss NYC..
The ear plugs I've found only go to about 32 decibels, which wasn't enough. Ear phones work better because they can produce their own noise, but are less comfortable to sleep in. I actually live in Queens.
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones.
I work nights and sleep during the day. No one tries to be quiet during the day, so I definitely feel your pain :) Dilinger is completely right. There is a world of difference between headphones with white noise and ear plugs. White noise is mostly useful for periodic, not too loud noises. Think if you did have a roommate, how they might not be super loud, but would occasionally make noises that might disturb you. It's like buying brown carpet vs white so the stains don't show. When someone is being a loud, noisy dickhead, it's more like someone dumped a bucket of paint on your carpet, vs small stains that you could disguise or camoflauge. You need earplugs. In our carpet metaphor, earplugs would be like covering your eyes so you can't see the carpet at all. Who cares how dirty it is. I would start with cheap ones from the drug store. They are not comfortable to sleep in, but it sounds like moving would be a real hassle for you.
Maybe whenever you see the guy, bitch about the rising rent prices. Maybe you can sow some seeds of discontent and he'll go elsewhere.
Which ear plugs did you use? The ear plugs I've found only go to about 32 decibels, which wasn't enough.
-
Couldn't you call the police to deal with your neighbor?
Police don't give a fuck. They're going to yell at me and say that it's not an emergency and that I should call 311. 311 will take down my information and make a note of it. It's not going to progress any further.
-
Try ear putty instead of ear plugs. I find it much more effective.
But I would second those saying get out and look at what options are available. Also consider what will happen if you bomb the GMATs again. I don't want to be negative but generally people who repeat these things don't do massively better the second time (like kids taking SATs over and over). Of course there's plenty of exceptions but what's going to happen if you don't end up back in school?
Can you recommend a brand of ear putty? Statistically most people do better on the GMAT the 2nd time around. If I don't get into the school that I want, then I'll go into a shittier school that doesn't require a GMAT. I'll still get my 30 credits that I need for the CPA, and then start studying for the CPA. Luckily the CPA exam and GMAT exam are very different types of exam.
-
I don't think the financial gains you listed are worth the move personally. Especially if these places require a months rent as a deposit.
On the other hand, if the noise issue is disrupting your sleep and can't come to a solution, I would move. Your health a d happiness has to come first.
-
Fight fire with fire.
I set my alarm for 2am then leave about 1.55am for a weekend away. Maybe he'll get the message, he needs a lesson in etiquette
-
Try this:
http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Silicone-Earplugs-Value/dp/B000067NMJ
And this:
http://www.sleepphones.com/
Anecdotally I took the gmat 3 times. 400, 450, and 550. I think its worth it to get into the best accounting masters degree program you can because that will distinguish you from the other joe shmo accountants out there.
I have a roommate and I'm 32.
-
Try this:
http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Silicone-Earplugs-Value/dp/B000067NMJ
And this:
http://www.sleepphones.com/
Anecdotally I took the gmat 3 times. 400, 450, and 550. I think its worth it to get into the best accounting masters degree program you can because that will distinguish you from the other joe shmo accountants out there.
I have a roommate and I'm 32.
Thanks for the last link. How did you improve your score - what changes did you make? How long did you study for?
-
Fight fire with fire.
I set my alarm for 2am then leave about 1.55am for a weekend away. Maybe he'll get the message, he needs a lesson in etiquette
When I was employed, while getting ready in the am I'd put my cell phone on the floor above his bed and let my alarm ring and vibrate for 15+ minutes. Not sure if he heard the ringing, but he absolutely heard the vibration. But if I really wanted to get revenge I'd just wear high heels at home.
-
I self studied the first time, then took a gmat class. They let me take it again when I got the 450. I think the class was 2 months long. So taking the class and repeating it was four months. I was struggling with the math part. I had to figure out how to learn math. There wasn't much on the internet back then (2006). I was really fortunate that my alma mater was willing to take me back with only a 550 as the average was 650 at the time. And fortunately accounting math is a cakewalk in comparison.
I find the silicon earplugs to be very effective if used properly. Create a seal rather then putting it in your ear canal. It's uncomfortable at first but then I'm out.
-
Could you do something to soundproof your bed? Like put noise absorbing curtains around your bed and a layer of soundproofing material underneath it?
-
I self studied the first time, then took a gmat class. They let me take it again when I got the 450. I think the class was 2 months long. So taking the class and repeating it was four months. I was struggling with the math part. I had to figure out how to learn math. There wasn't much on the internet back then (2006). I was really fortunate that my alma mater was willing to take me back with only a 550 as the average was 650 at the time. And fortunately accounting math is a cakewalk in comparison.
I find the silicon earplugs to be very effective if used properly. Create a seal rather then putting it in your ear canal. It's uncomfortable at first but then I'm out.
>I had to figure out how to learn math.
How did you figure this out? I'm struggling with the math part too. The issue isn't the actual math, it's the way that they phrase the questions. Right now I'm focusing on strategies and comparing questions amongst each other. Accounting math is just math, GMAT "math" is being able to interpret the question correctly.
For my school I think 550+ would do. I have excellent work experience and I have 4 recommendations from them.
I'll check out the silicon earplugs. Thanks.
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones.
I work nights and sleep during the day. No one tries to be quiet during the day, so I definitely feel your pain :) Dilinger is completely right. There is a world of difference between headphones with white noise and ear plugs. White noise is mostly useful for periodic, not too loud noises. Think if you did have a roommate, how they might not be super loud, but would occasionally make noises that might disturb you. It's like buying brown carpet vs white so the stains don't show. When someone is being a loud, noisy dickhead, it's more like someone dumped a bucket of paint on your carpet, vs small stains that you could disguise or camoflauge. You need earplugs. In our carpet metaphor, earplugs would be like covering your eyes so you can't see the carpet at all. Who cares how dirty it is. I would start with cheap ones from the drug store. They are not comfortable to sleep in, but it sounds like moving would be a real hassle for you.
Maybe whenever you see the guy, bitch about the rising rent prices. Maybe you can sow some seeds of discontent and he'll go elsewhere.
Which ear plugs did you use? The ear plugs I've found only go to about 32 decibels, which wasn't enough.
If you haven't tried these Ear Plugs: http://earplugsonline.com than you haven't tried everything yet. They are very easily the best ear plugs in the world.
-
Ear*plugs*, not ear*phones*. Real earplugs seal much better than earphones.
Have you purchased from the company?
I work nights and sleep during the day. No one tries to be quiet during the day, so I definitely feel your pain :) Dilinger is completely right. There is a world of difference between headphones with white noise and ear plugs. White noise is mostly useful for periodic, not too loud noises. Think if you did have a roommate, how they might not be super loud, but would occasionally make noises that might disturb you. It's like buying brown carpet vs white so the stains don't show. When someone is being a loud, noisy dickhead, it's more like someone dumped a bucket of paint on your carpet, vs small stains that you could disguise or camoflauge. You need earplugs. In our carpet metaphor, earplugs would be like covering your eyes so you can't see the carpet at all. Who cares how dirty it is. I would start with cheap ones from the drug store. They are not comfortable to sleep in, but it sounds like moving would be a real hassle for you.
Maybe whenever you see the guy, bitch about the rising rent prices. Maybe you can sow some seeds of discontent and he'll go elsewhere.
Which ear plugs did you use? The ear plugs I've found only go to about 32 decibels, which wasn't enough.
If you haven't tried these Ear Plugs: http://earplugsonline.com than you haven't tried everything yet. They are very easily the best ear plugs in the world.
-
When I was in college, the person above me always had their music pretty loud... once time when they wouldn't quit, I turned on the 500W Yamaha PA cab that I had under my bed to about half volume for 10 mins, then turned it off. Not only did I not hear any more loud music from them, one of the RA's went over and thought the loud music was from them, and they got into trouble for it.
As for headphones, the price for these is crazy now, but back in 2007 I got a pair of Shure E2's for about $79... They had a fit kit with soft rubber, hard rubber, and foam ear pieces in three sizes. These are great, and I use them to mow the lawn without having to bast my ears out to hear podcasts.
I've been looking for a good replacement for these, but I haven't been able to find anything comparable at a similar price point. Anyone has any recommendations (for me or the OP)?
-
Fight fire with fire.
I set my alarm for 2am then leave about 1.55am for a weekend away. Maybe he'll get the message, he needs a lesson in etiquette
.... But if I really wanted to get revenge I'd just wear high heels at home.
This would be even funnier (and louder?) if you are a dude.
BTW -- $1550 a month for rent is HUGE when you are not working -- that is some fancy-pants spendy preference versus having roommates again. I lived with roommates for a while, as a full adult, 5 years after graduating and working full time (and having previously owned my own apartment). If personal space is an issue for you -- think of this -- If you live in a house that has 4 room mates, they drive you crazy a bit, but everyone starts to just keep to their own spaces and you don't stay in the common areas longer than to make and eat a meal. Like living with polite strangers. Just get your own bathroom (pay more for the master bedroom). Much easier to tell room mates to shut it, compared to neighbors, too. But, with just 1 room mate it is like you are living closely with someone, and a lot more "personal" / in your business.
-
BTW -- $1550 a month for rent is HUGE when you are not working -- that is some fancy-pants spendy preference versus having roommates again. . . .
This is what I was thinking. All of the options sound fairly bad financially. Why would you lock yourself into a lease in this town when you're not working and not planning to be working? What happens if you get into a graduate school in another region that would be significantly cheaper and better than the one in your current city?
If it were me, I'd look into moving back with my parents or sympathetic relatives temporarily while I looked for work and waited to hear the results of my grad school applications. Living with roommates is better than paying $1550 a month, but even so, it wouldn't be fair to the roommates to move in unless you are sure you can pay the rent consistently. Could you housesit for someone?
Edit: sorry, I just reread the bit where RedMaple says that parents, etc. are not an option. But really? Can you think of any options that would be acceptable besides paying all this for an apartment that may not even be convenient to where you want to be?
-
Fight fire with fire.
I set my alarm for 2am then leave about 1.55am for a weekend away. Maybe he'll get the message, he needs a lesson in etiquette
.... But if I really wanted to get revenge I'd just wear high heels at home.
This would be even funnier (and louder?) if you are a dude.
BTW -- $1550 a month for rent is HUGE when you are not working -- that is some fancy-pants spendy preference versus having roommates again. I lived with roommates for a while, as a full adult, 5 years after graduating and working full time (and having previously owned my own apartment). If personal space is an issue for you -- think of this -- If you live in a house that has 4 room mates, they drive you crazy a bit, but everyone starts to just keep to their own spaces and you don't stay in the common areas longer than to make and eat a meal. Like living with polite strangers. Just get your own bathroom (pay more for the master bedroom). Much easier to tell room mates to shut it, compared to neighbors, too. But, with just 1 room mate it is like you are living closely with someone, and a lot more "personal" / in your business.
haha I'm a woman, but I've always wanted to learn how to wear stripper shoes. Perhaps now's the time. Maybe those shoes will get me a part time job as a stripper kidding.
I used to live with a roommate as well years after I graduated. I hated her. I didn't feel like I was at home because her stuff was all over the apartment. I also hated the random men that would drop by. It didn't make me feel safe. I hated that she would let her friends drink my soda. I hated that she would bring friends over the apartment late at night without warning me. I told her that it bothered me, and she said that I wasn't her mother and that I was being a shut in. I really loved her dog though. That was really the only reason why I stayed with her so long.
On average last year, I spent 550 per month on all on expenses excluding rent.
I'm kind of thinking (typing) out loud so bare with me... 1550 may sound like a high number, but it's really on the low end if you compare the markets. I just looked at Craigslist. If I get roommates I have 2 options, pay $1150+ and get a room in a real 2 bedroom apartment (big enough for a bed and dresser, but no couch), or pay $700+ and get a closet (barely room for a full size bed). When I get into the 1250 category, I start to see studios, but they're small (room for a full size bed and dresser, no room for couch). So the difference between having roommates and not having roommates is about 100-200 dollars - whatever I choose I still don't have enough room for a couch. So I would spend most of my time in bed. I like to be myself, people tire me out.
Right now I spend most of my time at home. When I worked, I either worked or was home. As I said, people tire me out especially when I had to be around them the entire day. I need to not hear people moving, talking etc. My current apartment has room for my bed, dresser and couch. My current apartment is 374^2 feet - including closets, hallway, kitchen, everything. The "large bedrooms" that I saw for 1150+ are about 160^2 feet.
Mhmm the above hasn't resolved anything except that if my neighbor pisses me off so much, I should look for another apartment that's big enough for a bed, dresser and couch, in the $1500 range and hope that my future neighbors won't be assholes.
-
OP is age 30 so she or he could already have anywhere from $500,000 to $1.5 million in savings. In that context, $18,600 per year on rent is not a big deal.
I don't have that much money saved, but I do have savings. Spending an extra $2k per year will be annoying, but it's not going to break me.
-
I've been looking for a good replacement for these, but I haven't been able to find anything comparable at a similar price point. Anyone has any recommendations (for me or the OP)?
It pays to look at the 'recommended' items..
$50 - http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SE112-GR-Isolating-Earphones-MicroDriver/dp/B00EWOK09G/ref=pd_cp_e_3
$100 - http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SE215-K-Isolating-Earphones-MicroDriver/dp/B004PNZFZ8/ref=pd_cp_e_0
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
-
In NYC, the law unfortunately is on the side of your noisy neighbor. There is absolutely nothing the police or your landlord can do about it, even if they were sympathetic. Moving is all you can do. This was my main reason for opting to buy into a coop: they have house rules that are legally binding.
I have a feeling there is more to the story than the OP is telling, esp as regards the unemployment. In any case, reducing expenses seems necessary no matter how much savings you have. Don't discount getting into a roommate situation, for example. You won't have to worry about explaining your lack of income to a broker. I get that one roommate can be annoying, but there's a nice dynamic that kicks in when there are at least 3 people sharing. You might find that more tolerable. Alternatively, if there's nothing holding you to Queens, what about picking a school upstate in a cheaper area? Your savings will go a lot farther in Albany, New Paltz, Plattsburgh etc.
In the meantime, keep working on all the tricks to muffle noise. You could also put a couple of stereo speakers faced against the wall and play some sleep-inducing music loudly enough to cover up your neighbor's noise and give your neighbor a taste of his own medicine :-).
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
-
In NYC, the law unfortunately is on the side of your noisy neighbor. There is absolutely nothing the police or your landlord can do about it, even if they were sympathetic. Moving is all you can do. This was my main reason for opting to buy into a coop: they have house rules that are legally binding.
I have a feeling there is more to the story than the OP is telling, esp as regards the unemployment. In any case, reducing expenses seems necessary no matter how much savings you have. Don't discount getting into a roommate situation, for example. You won't have to worry about explaining your lack of income to a broker. I get that one roommate can be annoying, but there's a nice dynamic that kicks in when there are at least 3 people sharing. You might find that more tolerable. Alternatively, if there's nothing holding you to Queens, what about picking a school upstate in a cheaper area? Your savings will go a lot farther in Albany, New Paltz, Plattsburgh etc.
In the meantime, keep working on all the tricks to muffle noise. You could also put a couple of stereo speakers faced against the wall and play some sleep-inducing music loudly enough to cover up your neighbor's noise and give your neighbor a taste of his own medicine :-).
Heh the unemployment situation is kind of dull. The hedge fund that I was working for closed. I found temp work at another hedge fund, but the contract ended earlier this month. In a way I'm kind of back to last year, except I now have better work experience and I'm a lot more familiar with the GMAT - now I'm concentrating on strategies instead of learning the basics, since I already know it.
I've been putting a small fun underneath my bed to drown out the noise but it's gone to the point where I'm paranoid and I hear things even when they're not there. It's a weird feeling.
-
Try amazon.com for groceries. I never go to a grocery store.
Even for fruits and veggies? If so, do they spoil? How big are your orders? Do you purchase meat? I spend about $160/month on groceries. I've been trying to do $140 but I haven't been able to - I need to try recipes whose main ingredients is beans.
-
I`ve mentioned this in another thread with regard to earplugs. I went to a gun range and had a pair of molded earplugs made. I`ve tried those from earplugsonline and half a dozen others. These are far better. I also purchased a lubricant meant to be used with these that help form a seal. Along with a white noise machine this almost fully blocks snoring at the sound level of a freight train.
-
Some thoughts... maybe useful maybe not. I'm just some guy who's had a lot of housemates and some neighbors, some good ones and some bad ones. I've been both.
- People mostly don't change. If they're the neighbor who plays loud music that's probably who they'll keep being.
- You probably can't out-annoy them, with high heels or facedown speakers, &c.
- (Though the suggestion to flood them out does have a certain appeal)
- At some point the knowledge that they're doing it probably becomes its own annoyance, even if the earplugs work pretty well. (Tragic aspect of human nature.)
- If possible, slay them with kindness. Perhaps cookies. Mmm, cookies.
- If you find a way to like them a little, their actions will seem less annoying. (And might, but don't count on it, engender some consideration on their part. You never know.)
FWIW.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
-
Hi-- as a fellow NYCer, I *so* understand your predicament.
One other option: contact the New York Peace Institute. They offer free mediation to the community, and noise disputes between neighbors is a really common one. They have a large corps of well-trained volunteer mediators that are willing to help. One of their case managers could call your neighbor and talk to them about the process and invite them to participate. It might be worth a try.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
-
Hi-- as a fellow NYCer, I *so* understand your predicament.
One other option: contact the New York Peace Institute. They offer free mediation to the community, and noise disputes between neighbors is a really common one. They have a large corps of well-trained volunteer mediators that are willing to help. One of their case managers could call your neighbor and talk to them about the process and invite them to participate. It might be worth a try.
I had no idea, thanks for the advice!
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Maybe learn how to drive anyway? I am not saying buy a car, but get your Driver's license. This time of your life seems ideal to take that extra time, and the skill / paperwork may come in handy one day. Even if you do remain in hedge funds and not another role for the rest of your life.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Would you really need a car or to learn to drive? I lived in a rural area where things are very spread out and there is no public transportation, but by living about a mile from a grocery store and a mile from my school (half way between) I only needed to use my car three days a week to go to work. You don't work, and you say you don't really go out a lot, so maybe an occasional cab would be cheaper than getting a car or staying put.
As an example, imagine you move somewhere with a cheaper COL, and get an apartment for 750 (which might well be larger than the one you have now and might come with a parking space you could rent out). As long as it's within two or three miles from a grocery store, biking or walking should cover all your daily errands. You might OCCASIONALLY need to pay for a cab ride or look for public transportation, but you'd be saving 800/month over staying where you are now. More if you find a cheaper place or work out a deal to rent out any parking that might come with the apartment. As far as needing a couch, maybe look at a small recliner. Bed when you need to lay down, recliner for lounging. Then you could fit into a smaller (cheaper) apartment. It sounds like having a couch is costing you a couple hundred a month, at least. For comparison, would you rent a couch if it cost hundreds each month?
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Maybe learn how to drive anyway? I am not saying buy a car, but get your Driver's license. This time of your life seems ideal to take that extra time, and the skill / paperwork may come in handy one day. Even if you do remain in hedge funds and not another role for the rest of your life.
I have a license. When I was 19 I took a month worth of lessons, took the exam, passed, and never drove again. There is no point to "relearn" how to drive if I'm not going to practice driving/have no car.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Would you really need a car or to learn to drive? I lived in a rural area where things are very spread out and there is no public transportation, but by living about a mile from a grocery store and a mile from my school (half way between) I only needed to use my car three days a week to go to work. You don't work, and you say you don't really go out a lot, so maybe an occasional cab would be cheaper than getting a car or staying put.
As an example, imagine you move somewhere with a cheaper COL, and get an apartment for 750 (which might well be larger than the one you have now and might come with a parking space you could rent out). As long as it's within two or three miles from a grocery store, biking or walking should cover all your daily errands. You might OCCASIONALLY need to pay for a cab ride or look for public transportation, but you'd be saving 800/month over staying where you are now. More if you find a cheaper place or work out a deal to rent out any parking that might come with the apartment. As far as needing a couch, maybe look at a small recliner. Bed when you need to lay down, recliner for lounging. Then you could fit into a smaller (cheaper) apartment. It sounds like having a couch is costing you a couple hundred a month, at least. For comparison, would you rent a couch if it cost hundreds each month?
I have a license. When I was 19 I took a month worth of lessons, took the exam, passed, and never drove again. There is no point to "relearn" how to drive if I'm not going to practice driving/have no car.
>As long as it's within two or three miles from a grocery store, biking or walking should cover all your daily errands
That's just not for me. I wouldn't take a 3 mile bike ride every couple of days for groceries. My time is too valuable.
> As far as needing a couch, maybe look at a small recliner. Bed when you need to lay down, recliner for lounging. Then you could fit into a smaller (cheaper) apartment. It sounds like having a couch is costing you a couple hundred a month, at least. For comparison, would you rent a couch if it cost hundreds each month?
Although I agree with this. I never thought of it that having a couch is costing me a couple of hundred dollars. I think a fold out couch would be the solution. I'd have to look into how much comfortable couches are. Edit: they're fairly pricey, many are $1k+.
-
Have you documented your complaints to the landlord? Send him a letter, registered mail outlining your complaint as specifically as possible. Send a letter each time it occurs. You need to force him to lever the tenant into behaving or to get rid of him. I did this in the past.
At the same time, look for another place. Let the landlord know you will not renew until and unless the situation gets under control.
-
Have you documented your complaints to the landlord? Send him a letter, registered mail outlining your complaint as specifically as possible. Send a letter each time it occurs. You need to force him to lever the tenant into behaving or to get rid of him. I did this in the past.
At the same time, look for another place. Let the landlord know you will not renew until and unless the situation gets under control.
I didn't do this, but my neighbor did this for her noisy upstairs neighbor. He's a professional musician who practices at home. He has one of those big pianos. In the lease it says that we're not allowed to play musical instruments. She kept notes of when he played, how long he played, how loud it was in her apartment - she purchased a reader. The landlord told her that her only option is for her to move out.
My landlord doesn't care. I live in a very popular spot. There will be someone who will rent my apartment. The thing that another user said hit me, the reason why I can't move into a smaller place is because I want to have a small couch and bed in my apartment. If I had a sofabed, this wouldn't be an issue.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Maybe learn how to drive anyway? I am not saying buy a car, but get your Driver's license. This time of your life seems ideal to take that extra time, and the skill / paperwork may come in handy one day. Even if you do remain in hedge funds and not another role for the rest of your life.
I have a license. When I was 19 I took a month worth of lessons, took the exam, passed, and never drove again. There is no point to "relearn" how to drive if I'm not going to practice driving/have no car.
Well pardon me for assuming "I don't know how to drive" to mean no license.
From your other responses, I guess there is no hope /option for any alternative choices in your lifestyle and I wish you good luck.
-
>As long as it's within two or three miles from a grocery store, biking or walking should cover all your daily errands
That's just not for me. I wouldn't take a 3 mile bike ride every couple of days for groceries. My time is too valuable.
You do realize that 3 miles on a bike is about < 15 minutes, right?
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
I'll take this a step further. You write like you are too good to live anywhere but NYC, too good for a roommate, too good to live with your parents, and too good to work at anything but a hedge fund.
Yet you have nothing. No job/income, no property, no car. and no plan You say you don't want a job for a couple of years until you start school, yet you bombed the standardized test so all you do is study for te test again. What kind of plan is that? Unless you have a shit ton pile of cash, it isn't going to last long.
You need to seriously re-evaluate your complete situation and stop blaming the neighbor below you.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
There are no hedge funds in Maine and the school that I want to attend is in NYC. Yes, I don't have a car, I don't know how to drive. I think that is screwing me - if I at least had a car (or knew how to drive) I could live further away from the train or move upstate and still be able to purchase groceries whenever I need to.
I misread your original post I guess. I thought it was going to be another year or two before you would be going to school and that you were studying for the entrance exam, not working and living off of savings in the interim. That is why I suggested moving and then moving back. Disregard if the time frame is shorter than I realized.
It would be another year or so until I got into school, and I am living off my savings. But moving away and then coming back to NYC after 2 years doesn't make sense - there would be moving costs, I'd have to learn how to drive, and I'd need to purchase a car - that I would have to sell when I moved back into the city. Am I missing something?
Maybe learn how to drive anyway? I am not saying buy a car, but get your Driver's license. This time of your life seems ideal to take that extra time, and the skill / paperwork may come in handy one day. Even if you do remain in hedge funds and not another role for the rest of your life.
I have a license. When I was 19 I took a month worth of lessons, took the exam, passed, and never drove again. There is no point to "relearn" how to drive if I'm not going to practice driving/have no car.
Well pardon me for assuming "I don't know how to drive" to mean no license.
From your other responses, I guess there is no hope /option for any alternative choices in your lifestyle and I wish you good luck.
Heh, if you give me a car. I wouldn't know what to do with it. I equate that with not knowing how to drive.
I'm happy that I posted here. People have given me many things to think about - things that I didn't realize before. I will start looking at apartments and seeing how much smaller the apartments are and how comfortable I would be (in terms of space, commute, groceries etc.)
-
>As long as it's within two or three miles from a grocery store, biking or walking should cover all your daily errands
That's just not for me. I wouldn't take a 3 mile bike ride every couple of days for groceries. My time is too valuable.
You do realize that 3 miles on a bike is about < 15 minutes, right?
It's all fine and dandy until it's cold outside or I come home at 11pm either from the library or work only to wake up at 7 and do it all over again. In ~6 months that will be me.
My company will pay for the cab, but the cab isn't going to wait around until I do my shopping. Actually will the stores even be open at that time? Where I live now, almost everything is open 24/7. There have been plenty times where I went grocery shopping at 1am because that was the only time that I had.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
I'll take this a step further. You write like you are too good to live anywhere but NYC, too good for a roommate, too good to live with your parents, and too good to work at anything but a hedge fund.
Yet you have nothing. No job/income, no property, no car. and no plan You say you don't want a job for a couple of years until you start school, yet you bombed the standardized test so all you do is study for te test again. What kind of plan is that? Unless you have a shit ton pile of cash, it isn't going to last long.
You need to seriously re-evaluate your complete situation and stop blaming the neighbor below you.
Wow such hostility. This is kinda funny. From reading what you wrote, it doesn't look like you actually read everything that I said. It's ok though, you're not really contributing to my post anyway. Move along.
-
Have you documented your complaints to the landlord? Send him a letter, registered mail outlining your complaint as specifically as possible. Send a letter each time it occurs. You need to force him to lever the tenant into behaving or to get rid of him. I did this in the past.
At the same time, look for another place. Let the landlord know you will not renew until and unless the situation gets under control.
I didn't do this, but my neighbor did this for her noisy upstairs neighbor. He's a professional musician who practices at home. He has one of those big pianos. In the lease it says that we're not allowed to play musical instruments. She kept notes of when he played, how long he played, how loud it was in her apartment - she purchased a reader. The landlord told her that her only option is for her to move out.
Ah, the classic New York story. Arty musician types make the city more interesting so the business types move here and then learn they can't stand the fucking arty types and try to drive them out.
It's true, a lease clause like that wouldn't be enforceable. The city noise limit during the day is quite high (like, you can't work on jet engines in your apartment), but much lower at night. You don't specify when your problem is happening. I don't know what you mean about police vs. 311. If you call 311, they will send the police, assuming police aren't too busy with actual emergencies that night. Regular visits from the police might annoy your neighbor and your landlord enough to effect change. Or your neighbor might just move out after awhile regardless of anything you do. Same as if you moved to another building with good neighbors but then they moved.
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
I'll take this a step further. You write like you are too good to live anywhere but NYC, too good for a roommate, too good to live with your parents, and too good to work at anything but a hedge fund.
Yet you have nothing. No job/income, no property, no car. and no plan You say you don't want a job for a couple of years until you start school, yet you bombed the standardized test so all you do is study for te test again. What kind of plan is that? Unless you have a shit ton pile of cash, it isn't going to last long.
You need to seriously re-evaluate your complete situation and stop blaming the neighbor below you.
Wow such hostility. This is kinda funny. From reading what you wrote, it doesn't look like you actually read everything that I said. It's ok though, you're not really contributing to my post anyway. Move along.
First post here, but I did read through everything. You're asking a bunch of strangers for advice based solely on what you've written, and first you say you're unemployed and asking us for advice regarding your situation, then refusing everything that we propose! Now you're saying stuff like "my time is too valuable..." and "My company will pay..." which makes it sound like you're super important.
Either SaintMichael's facepunch is WELL-DESERVED, or there's a LOT that you're not sharing with us and you're judging our responses based on information that we don't have!
-
If you don't like being around people and you aren't working, why are you staying in Queens? You could go to Maine and rent a gorgeous house on the water for the winter for under $1000. I did read that you don't have a car so you would either need to get a cheap one or live somewhere walkable/bikeable. There are tons of places that still fit that bill for cheap. You should live in a low COL location until school starts.
I'll take this a step further. You write like you are too good to live anywhere but NYC, too good for a roommate, too good to live with your parents, and too good to work at anything but a hedge fund.
Yet you have nothing. No job/income, no property, no car. and no plan You say you don't want a job for a couple of years until you start school, yet you bombed the standardized test so all you do is study for te test again. What kind of plan is that? Unless you have a shit ton pile of cash, it isn't going to last long.
You need to seriously re-evaluate your complete situation and stop blaming the neighbor below you.
Wow such hostility. This is kinda funny. From reading what you wrote, it doesn't look like you actually read everything that I said. It's ok though, you're not really contributing to my post anyway. Move along.
First post here, but I did read through everything. You're asking a bunch of strangers for advice based solely on what you've written, and first you say you're unemployed and asking us for advice regarding your situation, then refusing everything that we propose! Now you're saying stuff like "my time is too valuable..." and "My company will pay..." which makes it sound like you're super important.
Either SaintMichael's facepunch is WELL-DESERVED, or there's a LOT that you're not sharing with us and you're judging our responses based on information that we don't have!
I'm unemployed as of earlier this month, but I have excellent savings. I can not work for 4+ years and still pay all of my bills plus inflation. The only reason why I mentioned that I was unemployed was because it will cause some complications such as renting a new apartment - because landlords want pay stubs and they will be very finicky with guarantors. My question wasn't about my salary, it was weather or not having a shitty neighbor and rising apartment cost worth looking for a new place - especially since the cheaper apartments are only a few hundred dollars cheaper and there is no guarantee that my new neighbors will be better.
I did receive some good advice. People have given me many things to think about - things that I didn't realize before. I will start looking at apartments and seeing how much smaller the apartments are and how comfortable I would be (in terms of space, commute, groceries etc.) I also received good suggestions about ways to decrease the noise in my apartment.
-
Have you documented your complaints to the landlord? Send him a letter, registered mail outlining your complaint as specifically as possible. Send a letter each time it occurs. You need to force him to lever the tenant into behaving or to get rid of him. I did this in the past.
At the same time, look for another place. Let the landlord know you will not renew until and unless the situation gets under control.
I didn't do this, but my neighbor did this for her noisy upstairs neighbor. He's a professional musician who practices at home. He has one of those big pianos. In the lease it says that we're not allowed to play musical instruments. She kept notes of when he played, how long he played, how loud it was in her apartment - she purchased a reader. The landlord told her that her only option is for her to move out.
Ah, the classic New York story. Arty musician types make the city more interesting so the business types move here and then learn they can't stand the fucking arty types and try to drive them out. The neighbor who complained about the pianist has lived in the apartment for 30 years - it was her moms apartment.
It's true, a lease clause like that wouldn't be enforceable. The city noise limit during the day is quite high (like, you can't work on jet engines in your apartment), but much lower at night. You don't specify when your problem is happening. I don't know what you mean about police vs. 311. If you call 311, they will send the police, assuming police aren't too busy with actual emergencies that night. Regular visits from the police might annoy your neighbor and your landlord enough to effect change. Or your neighbor might just move out after awhile regardless of anything you do. Same as if you moved to another building with good neighbors but then they moved.
The guy is actually good, he performs at Lincoln Center very often. My buildings new tenant is an opera singer, I don't know where she performs but I hear her practicing when my window is open.
The noisy neighbor is oldish (60's.) I assume he doesn't work since he stays up all hours of the night. I highly doubt he'll move. He'll probably die in the apartment. Maybe I should try calling 311 and see what they say, but from other peoples experiences they don't do much except take information down. I guess if I lived in a small town then noise complaints would be handled, but in NYC it's not a priority.
-
In your shoes I would scout other apartments whole working on the nose isolation measures. And maybe try being nice to the neighbor. Honey and vinegar, as they say.
That said, you sound very particular about your environment (can't have other people moving around, etc.) Which makes me wonder if you can ever find peace living in a big city.
-
In your shoes I would scout other apartments whole working on the nose isolation measures. And maybe try being nice to the neighbor. Honey and vinegar, as they say.
That said, you sound very particular about your environment (can't have other people moving around, etc.) Which makes me wonder if you can ever find peace living in a big city.
Do you have any suggestions regarding decreasing the noise? I try to be nice to him but it's hard to be nice when he constantly wakes me up. It's hard to fall back asleep, so I lose sleep and am tired in the am. I have been yelled at work for being tired.
I wouldn't find peace living in the 'burbs either because I don't want the responsibility of home or car ownership. Being stuck alone in the middle of the road scares the shit out of me. Heh I can never be satisfied.
-
Going back to the noise issue, I'll set aside the earplug discussion since it's already been thoroughly discussed.
The other thing to do would be to add heavy mass to your floors. "Mass Loaded Vinyl" products would probably work best at blocking the sounds, though the stuff I could find from a quick search isn't cheap...
http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/Mass-Loaded-Vinyl-2-pound.html
-
Going back to the noise issue, I'll set aside the earplug discussion since it's already been thoroughly discussed.
The other thing to do would be to add heavy mass to your floors. "Mass Loaded Vinyl" products would probably work best at blocking the sounds, though the stuff I could find from a quick search isn't cheap...
http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/Mass-Loaded-Vinyl-2-pound.html
This just made me think, build an anechoic chamber in the bedroom...those things are freaky quiet.
(http://www.feko.info/applications/white-papers/modelling-analysis-of-anechoic-chambers/Anechoic_chamber_layout.jpg/image_preview)
-
I don't like playing armchair psychologist but if you think there is any chance you could be depressed or suffer from anxiety, whatever the cause, I would look into that too. It might make some of the suggested tasks seem less insurmountable and if you truly have no other options, it could give you some coping skills in the meantime.
-
I call them as I see them. Take the advice any way you choose.
We were once broke with nothing but an upside-down car. Last week, we passed $2M in net worth. I've seen everything along the way.
-
My downstairs neighbor is driving me insane. He listens to the radio very loudly at all hours of the night. I've spoken to him but he doesn't give a fuck.
The noisy neighbor is oldish (60's.)
Could it be that he's hard of hearing, and turns up the radio because he can't hear it? How about getting him to listen to the radio with earphones.
-
This just doesn't seem like a question for these forums...it's more of a personal decision.
I second that you could be depressed. It doesn't sound like any situation will satisfy you and that is definitely a sign of depression.
If the noise is a big enough issue for you to move, you'd do it. You wouldn't have to ask us. We can't decide whether withering down your savings is a good idea, although in general it definitely wouldn't be. Those savings should be ideally locked away in investments if you asked any of us, because I doubt many here keep large emergency funds and cash on hand. We also don't know how good your future prospects are, making it even more difficult to make a decision.
I think most of us woild have already at least moved out of NYC with no job and living off savings. But you're not willing to do that, so I say just do what will make you happy.
-
My downstairs neighbor is driving me insane. He listens to the radio very loudly at all hours of the night. I've spoken to him but he doesn't give a fuck.
The noisy neighbor is oldish (60's.)
Could it be that he's hard of hearing, and turns up the radio because he can't hear it? How about getting him to listen to the radio with earphones.
The times I've spoken to him I didn't raise my voice, I spoke normally and he understood me. He isn't noisy all of the time. Like right now he is normal, as in I can drown out the noise with my fans. Every few months or so he'll blast the radio for 2-3 weeks straight and then he'll quiet down again. I don't particularly like dealing with him which is why I don't usually bother him until it drives me crazy enough to have to deal with him.
-
This just doesn't seem like a question for these forums...it's more of a personal decision.
I second that you could be depressed. It doesn't sound like any situation will satisfy you and that is definitely a sign of depression.
If the noise is a big enough issue for you to move, you'd do it. You wouldn't have to ask us. We can't decide whether withering down your savings is a good idea, although in general it definitely wouldn't be. Those savings should be ideally locked away in investments if you asked any of us, because I doubt many here keep large emergency funds and cash on hand. We also don't know how good your future prospects are, making it even more difficult to make a decision.
I think most of us woild have already at least moved out of NYC with no job and living off savings. But you're not willing to do that, so I say just do what will make you happy.
Heh, maybe? I've never ever been satisfied. Like the friends that I've had throughout my life, I didn't have them because I liked them. I had them because it was something to occupy my time. The boyfriends that I had, I didn't have them because I liked them, they were something to occupy my time. My parents, I don't particularly like them or love them, but I have to deal with them until they die. It's my fiduciary duty. I view people as a liability not an asset. This is why I stopped having friends and relationships, what I get out of relationships isn't worth it to me. Hanging out with people means doing shit that I don't want to be doing. I'm selfish. I'm also very fastidious about things.
A large fund allows me to do whatever I want without having to consider anyone else. Ie: deciding to get a Masters degree. I don't have to work and I can pay for the degree 100% without taking out loans. This way my energy will be spent on my grades, studying, and networking. I have the freedom to choose what I want. I have the freedom to turn my future into what I want. I wouldn't have a large fund unless i had something planned for it. I wouldn't necessarily call the entire thing my eFund, but I don't distinguish my eFund from my other funds.
Where would I move to? I have never lived anywhere but NYC.. well I lived in Moscow but I don't remember it. All of my family is here and I have to be in the vicinity of them because I help them out often. All of the jobs are in NYC. It's easy for people to say that I should move, but where without elongating and complicating my commute to the city and to my family/parents?
-
Some landlords will accept high net worth in lieu of a job. Its worth asking. I learned the math by doing the problems over and over again. Its not all or nothing. I live in the suburbs and dont own a car. I can walk to some amenities. And I live 2 miles from the metro and take the bus. Lots of great suburbs near nyc with great bus lines.