Dumb question about NYC

[MonorailMan]

Tonight I was given the opportunity to move to Manhattan (Chelsea to be exact). I won't get into too many details, otherwise I'll get all upset and whiny due to my current employment situation.

Anyway, I wanted to ask if anyone out there has ever lived in Manhattan. There are a few things that bother me about moving there.....
--The apartment I'd be moving to would be a little bigger than a 1/4 of the size of the place I live now (475 sq. ft.).
--I'd have to sell my car because there's no way I'm paying a couple hundred dollars a month to park it in a garage down the street from the apartment.
--I can't stand going to a laundromat. The person I'd be moving in with uses a laundry service which picks his clothes up, washes them, folds them and delivers them back, but I don't want to pay for something like that.

*sigh*
Sorry, this is just a big decision I need to make, and my alternative doesn't look too good. The thought of living there is very exciting to me.....but not under these circumstances.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I don't live in NYC, but my cousin and best friend (not together) do, and I travel there on a regular basis for work.

Here are my thoughts, its not just the rent that is expensive, but most things are. Unemployment is pretty high in the NYC due to the financial downturn, but there are glimmers of light in some companies starting to appear.

As for laundry, so many people send their laundry out for cleaning, its not all the expensive for the most part. I think my one friend pays something like $0.75 or $1.00 a pound for wash, dry, fold service.

Without knowing all your current circumstances, it sounds like your just jumping from bad to bad.

 

[MonorailMan]

I don't live in NYC, but my cousin and best friend (not together) do, and I travel there on a regular basis for work.

Here are my thoughts, its not just the rent that is expensive, but most things are. Unemployment is pretty high in the NYC due to the financial downturn, but there are glimmers of light in some companies starting to appear.

As for laundry, so many people send their laundry out for cleaning, its not all the expensive for the most part. I think my one friend pays something like $0.75 or $1.00 a pound for wash, dry, fold service.

Without knowing all your current circumstances, it sounds like your just jumping from bad to bad.

I wasn't going to post about this publicly, but I guess it won't matter....

I've been unemployed since June of 2008. I used to be a freelance commercial photographer/designer, but decided to take some time off in order to help a friend of mine get his new food & beverage/catering business off the ground. I worked with him for a full year doing everything from his promotional/marketing work to training some of his kitchen staff since a lot of the time there were volunteers helping with some of the higher end catered events. A year later, we had a full time staff and business was going well, so I left knowing it was only a temporary job. I took a couple weeks off and then tried getting back into the world of photography and design.....but the economy in this city really started going downhill. People who normally hired me started going to the local art school (where my degree is from) to get interns so that they wouldn't have to pay for their services. I went to the school's job placement office, which helps both current students and alumni, and was told that the majority of graduates seem to be moving out the city due to the economy. I even had to sell both of my cameras and some of my other equipment just so I can survive. (Trust me.....it stinks being a diabetic with no health insurance.) I went to my friend a couple months ago to see if he would "re-hire" me due to my situation, but he assured me he couldn't do it. I was a little upset, needless to say, especially considering I helped him get the company off the ground and used my resources to help promote the heck out of it for him, but I guess there was nothing he could do.

To round things up, I've been submitting anywhere from 20-40+ resumes a week. I've had several interviews that originally seemed promising, but wound up being a waste of time. (You have no idea how many times I've gone into interviews with the person telling me, "As I'm sure you've been told...... we're not hiring at the moment, but we'll definitely keep your information on file." Even though no one told me, or was told the exact opposite over the phone.)

Since I can't afford to live here any more, a friend of mine (the one I went to WDW with in October) has offered for me to move in with him in NYC.

I'll stop there. I know how too much joy gets annoying after awhile. THE END.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yikes! You've been having a real time of it.

I've only ever worked out of NYC (mid-town) and stayed there, but not lived there, if that makes any sense.

I absolutely love NYC and would be living there now if... the winters didn't exist...

I can't say that moving there to live in a tiny apartment with a friend, and being jobless to boot would be a really good idea for me. I can't speak for you!

Being diabetic with no health insurance scares me more than unemployment. Are you NIDDM? If so there are some really effective nutritional interventions. I have had huge success with it (no longer need any diabetic medications) so am nearly as overbearing as they come when the topic turns to controlling NIDDM through nutrition.

Not much help to you at all, but I have to say moving to NYC under your current circumstances seems too risky to me. Unless you will be willing to take any job going, and even that is tough in these times (finding any job I mean, not just finding one specific to your skills, artistry and talents).

 

[wallyb]

MM all I know about living in NYC is it's a "whole different animal" than other parts of the country.
I have friends who live in "shoe boxes".
Some in apartments with no kitchens or strange bathrooms.
Crazy parking situations. Crazy pricing.
But they all seem to deal and love it.

I'm not a big fan of NYC.
I like to visit but would not want to live there.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[MonorailMan]

Yikes! You've been having a real time of it.

I've only ever worked out of NYC (mid-town) and stayed there, but not lived there, if that makes any sense.

I absolutely love NYC and would be living there now if... the winters didn't exist...

I can't say that moving there to live in a tiny apartment with a friend, and being jobless to boot would be a really good idea for me. I can't speak for you!

Being diabetic with no health insurance scares me more than unemployment. Are you NIDDM? If so there are some really effective nutritional interventions. I have had huge success with it (no longer need any diabetic medications) so am nearly as overbearing as they come when the topic turns to controlling NIDDM through nutrition.

Not much help to you at all, but I have to say moving to NYC under your current circumstances seems too risky to me. Unless you will be willing to take any job going, and even that is tough in these times (finding any job I mean, not just finding one specific to your skills, artistry and talents).

It's okay. I wasn't really looking for any specific answers. I appreciate your reply.

I'm insulin-dependent, unfortunately. The company that makes the insulin (Lilly) has a program that is supposed to help people who can't afford to buy it.....but (of course) it won't help me out because I'd be required to have an endocrinologist's appointment every time I needed a refill, which would cost me slightly more than the insulin itself.

MM all I know about living in NYC is it's a "whole different animal" than other parts of the country.
I have friends who live in "shoe boxes".
Some in apartments with no kitchens or strange bathrooms.
Crazy parking situations. Crazy pricing.
But they all seem to deal and love it.

I'm not a big fan of NYC.
I like to visit but would not want to live there.

Good luck with your decision.

I think I'm the same way. I love the city, but I don't think I want to live there. Despite the millions that are there every day it's one of the loneliest cities I've been to, if that makes any sense. My friend lives in one of those "shoe boxes", and I think it'd drive me insane.....more so. It's in a great neighborhood, but I'm a homebody. He loves being out on the town constantly, which is why it doesn't bother him so much.

Thank you, Wally.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Ach. IDDM is a whole 'nother ball game.

I think you've answered your question, eh? If you are a homebody sort of person, then living in a shoebox in a huge city doesn't really sound too perfect for you.

Good luck with things! I hope you are able to find employment.

 

[Tony-NJ]

wow - I'm sorry your going thru this. I do believe there are programs that vcan help you on the insurance side. Not sure though.

About NYC - Would you have your own room in this tiny apt?

Don't knock the laundry service - it may cost a little more but it's so worth it.I know many folks who live in NYC and absolutely love it. Yes the unemployment rate is high - but that's also due to the financial industry there. There are jobs to be had - even if you had to wait tables - you could make a killing. There's probably a lot more opportunity as well being in NYC vs Columbus.

I guess I'm trying to look for the positive's for you vs the con's.

 

[zeitzeuge]

It's a tough decision. Although personally I've never lived in NYC, I always said that I wanted to try it at least once. How does the song go, Live in NYC long enough before you become to hard and live in California long enough before you become too soft? Even if for a short time. Maybe you can look it as that way. A stepping stone to something else. Just for the time being.

I have many friends who live in all areas of Manhattan. Some are social butterflies, others are homebodies. I'm sure the city can get lonely at times and feel overwhelming. But most all of my friends that I've taked to who live there or have lived there, say they wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.

Ask yourself, what would it hurt? Give it a try.

I moved from KCMO to Dallas 18 years ago. I was absolutely terrified. I would be moving so many miles away from my family and all of my close friends. I didn't think it was the right move at the time, but our company was just bought out and I found out I was positive (doctors knew nothing back then and told you it was a death sentence). I felt I had no choice but to move and take a chance. I heard about doctors here making amazing strides in HIV care and the job market was better here and I more opportunities. My love life was non existant back in KCMO so maybe I would meet the man of my dreams. Well hundreds of men later (i'm joking!), I did. Healthy as a horse. Have a good job. Tons of friends.

I guess what I'm saying, is that you never know what could happen if you don't try.

 

[PghLybrt]

I have always wanted to live in NYC! I know that is just a little dream of mine, and one I will probably never do!

I am sorry about all the crap you have been going through! I know it is tough w/o insurance (my GF had none for 10 years). Have you thought about other cities? I know I love to be the spokesperson for Pittsburgh but seriously
1. The cost of living is cheaper.
2. We are not having the same economic problems (in fact the housing market in on the rise and has been)
3. All of my friends that move to Columbus always come back to Pittsburgh.

I guess what I am saying is that it wouldnt hurt to look.

 

[MonorailMan]

I guess I just have a lot to think about. This might sound a bit weird, but I think I have the right kind of attitude to live in NYC, but when it comes to the social aspect I think I'd have a problem due to mild autism. When I visited my friend in NYC last year about 4 of the guys who were talking with us at one of the bars started making fun of me non-stop because I wasn't saying too much. When I told them the reason why they all slowly migrated away from me. That wasn't a good night for me. But I still tend to think you learn more from listening than you do from running your mouth off. (This is probably why I talk about myself so much on here--because I don't/can't do it much in real life. And for that, I apologize. )

Due to my friend's current roomie moving out unexpectedly he said my half of the rent would be covered until July, which would be extremely helpful while I find a job. I would take over the roomie's bedroom once he moves out. On the other hand, I'd not only have to get rid of about 99% of my personal belongings, I'd also have to live with the guilt that my roomie would now have to find another place to live.

Oy!

Needless to say, due to my current financial situation (or lack thereof) my choices are fairly limited.

 

[wallyb]

MM Sweetness - Just want to clarify - I'm in no way saying do not go to NYC-
Heck you just might find your "Donald Hollinger" -
or maybe even Donald Trump - I can see it now -
you bump into him on the street - Your eyes lock - his comb-over quivers with anticipation -
and before you know it he looks over at poor Melania and utters those immortal words "You're fired!"
And in a New York minute you're the next Mrs. trump.

Hey it's NYC - stuff happens!

 

[MonorailMan]

MM Sweetness - Just want to clarify - I'm in no way saying do not go to NYC-
Heck you just might find your "Donald Hollinger" -
or maybe even Donald Trump - I can see it now -
you bump into him on the street - Your eyes lock - his comb-over quivers with anticipation -
and before you know it he looks over at poor Melania and utters those immortal words "You're fired!"
And in a New York minute you're the next Mrs. trump.

Hey it's NYC - stuff happens!

For some reason, time in NY does go by ridiculously fast. With my luck I'd look 65 by the time I turn 35.

As for the Trumpmeister--No thanks. You can have him if you like. I'd be afraid his coif would try to strangle me in my sleep.

 

[wallyb]

For some reason, time in NY does go by ridiculously fast. With my luck I'd look 65 by the time I turn 35.

As for the Trumpmeister--No thanks. You can have him if you like. I'd be afraid his coif would try to strangle me in my sleep.

Nope.
I'll say here in Boston.
So no trump for me.

Now Donald Hollinger...

Diamonds, Daisies, Snowflakes,
That Girl
Chestnuts, Rainbows, Springtime...
Is That Girl
She's tinsel on a tree...
She's everything that every girl should be!

Sable, Popcorn, White Wine,
That Girl
Gingham, Bluebirds, Broadway...
Is That Girl
She's mine alone, but luckily for you...
If you find a girl to love,
Only one girl to love,
Then she'll be That Girl too...
That Girl!

 

[MonorailMan]

Nope.
I'll say here in Boston.
So no trump for me.

Now Donald Hollinger...

It'd be hard for anyone to deny you definitely are "That Girl".

 

[Nauf]

Hey there potential neighbor!

I moved into Manhattan almost 12 years ago and have loved every minute of it, even the minutes where I thought I was going to pull my hair out of my head for doing something so crazy!! Its an incredible city and I still have moments where I can't believe I live here. I could gush more about it, but I suspect I'd be telling you things you already know.

Your concerns about living space are very, VERY valid. When I read you were moving into a 475 square foot space my first thought was "WOW! 475 square feet?! That's HUGE!" You should see my shoebox! lol! I guess my point is that you'd be surprised how quickly you get used to it. This assumes that you fall in love with living in the city. By any chance have you seen the space you'd be sharing?

Your laundry concern, if you ask me, is more valid than your car concern. You definitely do not need a car at all in Manhattan. Clean clothes? Yes. Car? Not so much. I used to drop off my laundry, but I decided to do it myself because I thought I could do a better job at getting my whites whiter. (Notice the past tense of that verb... "thought!") Also, if you got used to living in the overpriced shoebox, you will also get used to either dropping off your clothes or doing them yourself... especially the former since it frees you up to go do something else!

Something that cannot be sugar-coated: unemployment here is high. I know of several people in various walks of life who have been hit hard. Then again, everbody everywhere knows of people like that. Someone else mentioned that there ARE jobs out there... but finding them is tough.

Lastly, like someone else posted, not knowing the particulars makes it hard to offer any concrete advice. Life here can be very demanding. And although its very possible to live here without paying through the nose for everything, things can get very expensive. But even someone like me who doesn't make anywhere near what most other people seem to be making still manages to do just fine. At the end of the day, for me, its all worth it. I can't see myself living anywhere else.

OH... one last note about those guys at that bar. Since this is a family friendly board, I am not at liberty to tell you what I really think of those guys . I will say this: that is not the norm. That's not to say that there aren't jerks out there. Of course there are. But please keep in mind that an encounter in a bar is very different from everyday life. I've always found the majority of people out and about to be genuinely nice and friendly. I'm curious to know which bar that was.

 

[wallyb]

It'd be hard for anyone to deny you definitely are "That Girl".

Now - why do you do me like that - when I adore you.

 

[yasuern]

I am sitting here crying right now - You have a lot on your plate aside the should i move to NY thing


So have you thought of doing photography for weddings etc? Maybe your friend that you helped get up and running could drop your name to clients?

How about teaching a class at a local community college?


Okay the IDDM - wow - - I just don't understand and never will understand how ANYONE in this country doesn't have healthcare - The government needs to fix this!


About the autism - I don't know you but I bet you are very sensitive - IQ higher than average and artistic - but you need some stability in your life - and the moving is probably a difficult prospect to think about.


I know nothing about Ny/Manhatten (people born in Boston aren't allowed to like it) I just hope that you find the anwers you need/moment of clarity to make your decision.


Sue

 

[MonorailMan]

(I won't cut-n-paste everything, because that'd be a lot of cuttin' and pastin'. )

Nauf:

Yeah, 475 square feet isn't too bad, and considering the location the rent is considered "a steal"......but I also have to take into consideration that my friend (whom I love to death) is a 400-pound man with a personality that's 10 times bigger than he is. Just ask Conck. The only time I'd allow my friend to meet Conck is when he was half-asleep so he wouldn't frighten him. (He likes to get loud and boisterous in public places. He used to do a lot of theater in DC, and it shows.) We're like fire and ice--completely opposite......but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.

My friend told me that the economy has hit pretty hard there as well, but there's the potential for a higher income. My current roomie's best friend works as a doorman for one of the higher end hotels, and I would love to be making what he makes in tips. (Seriously.......where else could you average about $400 a day in tips alone for opening doors and answering simple questions for people? I would swipe that job up in a heartbeat.) But he's been working there for almost 20 years, and I know there are now waiting lists to get those types of jobs.

Using a laundry service would be just one more chunk of change I'd have to shell out, and I know for at least a month or two I wouldn't be able to afford it. The other day when I remembered that I had to wash something for an interview I was having at 10am, and it was around 2am. I got up and did a load of darks at 2am so I'd have it to wear for the interview. You just can't get that convenience with a laundry service. Now I'm just being picky.....but you know what I mean.

Wally

What do you mean? That was a compliment. Using the term "That" before "Girl" means you are definitely "It".

Yasuern

Don't cry. I appreciate your sympathy.

Photography is pretty much out of my league as of now since I no longer have the equipment to use.

In Ohio I wouldn't be allowed to teach anywhere unless it was at a private school. (I think it's a law that varies from state to state.) The art school I graduated from asked me to teach a studio food photography class after I graduated since I had already built a fairly decent clientele, but the number of students who enrolled was so small that they canceled the class altogether. I think I took the very last food photography class that was offered at the school, which was in 2002.

Artistic? Yes. High IQ? Well.......not according to some of the people on here.

 

[rpmdfw]

(I won't cut-n-paste everything, because that'd be a lot of cuttin' and pastin'. )

Hey, MM!

Don't bother cutting and pasting at all! Use "Multi-quote" function. Just click on the button to the right of the "Quote" button. It has a single quote and a plus sign.

Simply click on that button for every message you want to quote, then click on the "Quote" button for the last one.

That will automatically open a new message quoting every message you've selected. Then you can simply reply to each one individually. (Though, I will frequently edit the quotes down to just the section I'm referring to.)

Hope that helps you save a bit of time!

p.s. I wish I could offer some help on the question at hand, but I'm not a good resource for that. Just know I'm sending out happy thoughts and positive energy for you!