In this episode, I follow up on the insane feedback from a post I wrote last week about leaving New York. The comments and anecdotes that readers have shared have been absolutely incredible. I had no idea that so many people had experienced the same thing. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone and that the world won’t end if you leave New York City.
Last week, my dog Lenore was attacked by a vicious English bulldog. It was scary. She required minor surgery and an overnight at the vet, complete with sutures, staples and the dreaded Cone of Shame. And on Monday night, I witnessed another dog attack that fortunately ended with all parties intact. My patience for irresponsible dog owners who don’t know their dogs, don’t have control of them and refuse to have them neutered is below the basement.
Finally, I attended the New York premiere screening of my cousin Kathryn Hahn’s new movie “Bad Moms.” While it’s a light, easy and fun summer comedy, the real treat is Kathryn. She possesses an unteachable and unlearnable gift that makes her the one you want to be watching on the screen. She steals every scene.
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Did you catch your cousin on Colbert last night? So funny and charming. I sense a breakout role coming, she needs to above the marque in a big budget movie or series.
I sure did. She was wonderful. And she’s an amazing mom.
There are already many comments on the other thread, so here is my take on the rent problem.
While I certainly agree rent is insane and reaching immoral level in major cities (Paris, London, NY or even Berlin…), if at one point your rent represented only 1/3 or 1/4 of your income, you should probably have invested and bought a place at that time. I understand it is not easy if you don’t have a steady stream of income (which was probably the case with a creative job), but if you can save up a bit, it is often enough to get approved for a mortgage and then instead of paying a rent you pay a (fixed) mortgage. So for your younger people here : buy (reasonably, within your budget) as soon as it is possible. Instead of paying a rent to a capitalist homeowner, you’ll pay a rent to an also capitalist bank, but at least you’ll own something, even if only partially. Probably not possible in capital cities anymore though.
Also, your remark on Excel spreadsheet professionals rubbed me the wrong way: 1-you can be very creative in Excel spreadsheet, I would even argue 33% of the work is graphic design (+inventing formulas IS creative!). 2- it is not because you have a boring job that you are not an interesting person. Furthermore I don’t think excel pays as well as you think. It is an office job, yes, and as such guarantees a fixed income each month, but I am pretty sure in good months a creative makes much more money than an excel-monkey.
In any case, you seem ready for a new chapter, and maybe that’s simply the kick you needed. I also don’t understand how people stay in such cities, where you work just to pay the rent. Once you’ll find another place, any cheaper place really, you’ll probably realize how pointless it is to stay in expensive places. If you are creative, you are creative in any place after. I even find it better to be in small(er) cities, where you get to know your pairs quickly, feel that you know what happens, be an active part of the scene, and recognized as such.
For me the only valid reason to stay in expensive places are your friends and family. If you are really adventurous, you should try Athens in Greece or Brussels in Belgium. They are poor, they are cheap and have good artistic scenes.
Oh, and by the way : I love your style, writing, talking, dressing and biking 🙂
I think a lot of people would agree that it’s advantageous to buy. The problem, for many (most), is coming up with a 20%+ down payment. In a place where $900k buys you a tolerable 1-2 bedroom, that 20% is substantial….