What is it like living in a big city? Is it overrated?

[MaverickParticipant 811]

There have been a few recent posts in which some of you are looking to get out of (or avoid) the “big city”.

I’ve always lived in a suburban or rural area and there have been times where I thought maybe I am missing out on something.

I have had these thoughts more recently as I am in somewhat of a rut career-wise and have been exploring other options. The only jobs I see posted in the local area are entry level jobs. This poses a problem since I have many years of experience and it would be a step down. There could be a definite cut in pay although it would be nice to have a short 15 or 20 minute commute.

There are a lot more opportunities in the nearest big cities which would require either a super long commute (75-90 minutes each way), or perhaps moving to a big city. There is also moving closer to the city but cost of living is higher as well.

What are your experiences with living in the city and is it all that it’s cut out to be? If you do not like living in overly populated areas, would you be willing to sacrifice career advancement in exchange for living where you want to live? It’s kind of a catch 22.

[AwakenedParticipant 35200]

It’s kinda whatever YOU DEEM AS YOUR PRIORITIES.

Figure out what is Most Important to YOU, and act accordingly.

Personally, I want less commuter time, less work time, less of THEIR CRAP in MY HEAD, and less responsibility.

The Obvious trade-off is Less Cash.

I’m OK with that as I don’t need a ton of cash, and will need even less in the future once the kids are grown, and I free myself from my marital parasite.

In a World of Justin Beibers Be a Johnny Cash

[MaverickParticipant 811]

Awakened wrote:

It’s kinda whatever YOU DEEM AS YOUR PRIORITIES.

Figure out what is Most Important to YOU, and act accordingly.

It’s common sense but I needed a reminder. Thank you for that.

Awakened wrote:

Personally, I want less commuter time, less work time, less of THEIR CRAP in MY HEAD, and less responsibility.

I’ve been doing a 45-60 minute commute each way for a LONG time and it can be a pain in the ass especially when the roads are slick. Only reason I have put up with it for this long is that the job is 8 1/2 instead of the usual 9+ hours when it comes to salaried positions.

Awakened wrote:

The Obvious trade-off is Less Cash.

True, very true. I have probably left money on the table by not going after jobs that would suck up even more time. If you don’t have time to enjoy your money then what is the point?

[SH3LLZParticipant 5569]

I work in NYC and live in NJ. My commute is about an 1 hr 15min in and the same coming out on the trains.

I could NEVER live in Manhattan. It’s ALWAYS ON an VERY expensive. If you can get yourself close to whatever city youre near, you will find rent does go up, but so does your pay. So it’s all relative. I know a few girls from the midwest who moved to NYC for their careers, but they rent a 1 bedroom apt with up to 5 other people paying almost twice as much as I do for a 3 br 2 bath across the river in NJ. Yet the common economic sense is lost on them.

They LOVE to say they live in New York making close to 6 figures and they’re BROKE with 50%+ of their income just going to rent and living expenses. Its a mindset thing.

The advantages are lots of culture. Great variety of food. Plenty to do and see. You wont get bored. But with all the good there is the dark underbelly. Get to know your city (whichever it is). Count the cost.. DONT OVERSPEND. Its very easy to do. Usually near a big city you can more than double your salary. Get it. Stack. Save. Invest. GET OUT. It like a huge casino and nothing is promised.

Finally, If you love a simple life… It might not be for you, unless you got really strong character. There is a constant media and marketing engine in your face.. not for the faint of heart… Thats just speaking of NYC experience. Hope that helps!

CHEERS!

#ICETHEMOUT!!! #MANOUT!!! #HIDEYOURWEALTH #VAGINAISWORTHLESS

[AwakenedParticipant 35200]

Maverick wrote:

Awakened wrote:

The Obvious trade-off is Less Cash.

True, very true. I have left money on the table by not going for more lucrative opportunities that would suck up even more time. If you don’t have time to enjoy your money then what is the point?

I have seen to many “managers” sell their nights, weekends, and holidays to get into the 6 figure range.

They make more, they, or their wives Spend More, and they’re still just wage slaves at the end of the day with more stress, larger waist lines, and probably a shorter life span with more medical problems along the way.

I don’t really want my job, but I have already come to the conclusion that I definitely don’t want theirs.

In a World of Justin Beibers Be a Johnny Cash

[Anonymous 42]

Maverick wrote:

I’ve always lived in a suburban or rural area and there have been times where I thought maybe I am missing out on something.

STAY PUT! DON’T BE CRAZY!

MOUSTOPIA! Or MONTANA?

CITIES SUFFOCATE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM!

When’s the last time you saw an EAGLE living in a CITY!

LIVE WITH THE EAGLES!

NOT WITH THE PIGEONS!

I can’t count the times I looked an eagle in the eyes!

[Anonymous 54]

If you are a Young Man with an itch, you should try it.

That doesnt mean Im recomendeing it.
But I know what it does to people that never got out of their Hometown.
( The ones with the itch that is)

[Anonymous 54]

Anonymous wrote:

Maverick wrote:

I’ve always lived in a suburban or rural area and there have been times where I thought maybe I am missing out on something.

STAY PUT! DON’T BE CRAZY!

MOUSTOPIA! Or MONTANA?

CITIES SUFFOCATE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM!

When’s the last time you saw an EAGLE living in a CITY!

LIVE WITH THE EAGLES!

NOT WITH THE PIGEONS!

I can’t count the times I looked an eagle in the eyes!

I have recently moved back out to the Country. First time since I was a kid. I am in Gods Heaven!!!!

[MaverickParticipant 811]

SH3LLZ wrote:

I work in NYC and live in NJ. My commute is about an 1 hr 15min in and the same coming out on the trains.

I could take the train but that would make the commute even longer (i.e. 1 hour and 45 min each way). Of course the time spent on the train would be less stressful than driving. Are you used to the commute? Ever get tired of it?

SH3LLZ wrote:

They LOVE to say they live in New York making close to 6 figures and they’re BROKE with 50%+ of their income just going to rent and living expenses. Its a mindset thing.

It seems like a lot of 30 something women move back to their hometowns after their friends are married off. I ran into a lot of them back when I was on dating sites.

SH3LLZ wrote:

The advantages are lots of culture. Great variety of food. Plenty to do and see. You wont get bored. But with all the good there is the dark underbelly. Get to know your city (whichever it is). Count the cost.. DONT OVERSPEND. Its very easy to do. Usually near a big city you can more than double your salary. Get it. Stack. Save. Invest. GET OUT. It like a huge casino and nothing is promised.

Finally, If you love a simple life… It might not be for you, unless you got really strong character. There is a constant media and marketing engine in your face.. not for the faint of heart… Thats just speaking of NYC experience. Hope that helps!

CHEERS!

I doubt I would be able to double my salary, maybe 40 or 50% max. I suppose there there is potential to double it eventually. You are right, it would be a gamble!

[MaverickParticipant 811]

Awakened wrote:

I have seen to many “managers” sell their nights, weekends, and holidays to get into the 6 figure range.

I know what you mean. Managers are usually plugged in 24/7. It’s enough of a hassle to be on an on call rotation.

The reason I started looking is that my manager is trying to push some of his responsibilities onto the rest of us grunts. It’s only a few hours here and there but enough to be an annoyance.

Awakened wrote:

I don’t really want my job, but I have already come to the conclusion that I definitely don’t want theirs.

+1

The first time the department manager job was open, I did not bother to apply. The second time, I applied but wasn’t really into it and I think they could tell. I only applied since they did not seem to have many options at the time. Just about everyone that has been in that position has been miserable and I suspect that I would have as well. The job is enough of a grind as it is.

[MaverickParticipant 811]

Anonymous wrote:

Maverick wrote:

I’ve always lived in a suburban or rural area and there have been times where I thought maybe I am missing out on something.

STAY PUT! DON’T BE CRAZY!

MOUSTOPIA! Or MONTANA?

CITIES SUFFOCATE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM!

When’s the last time you saw an EAGLE living in a CITY!

LIVE WITH THE EAGLES!

NOT WITH THE PIGEONS!

I can’t count the times I looked an eagle in the eyes!

🙂

Anonymous wrote:

If you are a Young Man with an itch, you should try it.

That doesnt mean Im recomendeing it.
But I know what it does to people that never got out of their Hometown.
( The ones with the itch that is)

I don’t know I’d call myself young. Upper 30s

I did manage to get out of suburbia. The big city thing is one thing I haven’t tried.

[ShimshParticipant 237]

I live in the capital for my country, man what a cesspool major cities are, polluted, crammed like sardines trying to get your piece of the pie, i wish i could leave but i study in uni so im stuck.

Fuck E'm

[Anonymous 42]

Shimsh wrote:

major cities are, polluted, crammed like sardines trying to get your piece of the pie

That’s the TRUTH! When I come back from the Green Mtns. VT, I can smell civilization by the emissions and fuel burning!

When the air currents are right I can smell the ocean or NYC in a north breeze, especially in summer, the ozone is sickening!

This is no s~~~! NYC automobiles carry the smell of the city all the way to Northern Vermont! I know! A friend from NYC rented a ski house with me! His interior smelled like a mixture of sewer gas and emissions just like the city! Smokers don’t know the smell of smoke is SICKENING!!! He didn’t smoke cigarettes, he inhaled CITY!

[SH3LLZParticipant 5569]

I’ve personally gotten used to the commute. Been doing it for over 10 years now.. Lol

Geez I’m getting old. Lol

Being on the trains isn’t so bad. You just need to be aware and not a zombie stuck in your phone.

It is tiring but so is driving. I had to do that too. Traffic weather issues.. Commuting sucks no matter how you do it.

#ICETHEMOUT!!! #MANOUT!!! #HIDEYOURWEALTH #VAGINAISWORTHLESS

[Anonymous 54]

The only way to find out, is to try it.

[SH3LLZParticipant 5569]

I just want to make one more point about commuting.

BREAKDOWNS.. If a train breaks down, Youre stuck. Thats it. Youre just stuck. If youre underground, You cant call anyone and if you had plans, or had to pick up your kid… NOPE. Which is a shame because China has cell service in their subways and you never know what kind of claustrophobic nut might freak out on your train car.

If your car breaks down on the side of the road, you can call for help true. Yet, you’re waiting and your going to be paying and arm and leg for towing and repairs depending on your circumstance. If its raining or snowing or anything like that, the situation is that much more miserable… Ive been through BOTH.

Choose wisely… LoL

#ICETHEMOUT!!! #MANOUT!!! #HIDEYOURWEALTH #VAGINAISWORTHLESS

[IRuleMeParticipant]

It really depends on who you are as a person. I lived in the country most of my life. I hated it. I’m a city guy. I enjoy being close to the things I need, and being able to do things if I want to, without driving 30 min or more. I’ve known people who had to drive an hour or more just to get to a Walmart. No thanks.

[Anonymous 54]

IRuleMe wrote:

I’ve known people who had to drive an hour or more just to get to a Walmart. No thanks.

Hajah! Sometimes it is truely about the journey, not the destination!!!

[Anonymous 54]

Anonymous wrote:

Shimsh wrote:

major cities are, polluted, crammed like sardines trying to get your piece of the pie

That’s the TRUTH! When I come back from the Green Mtns. VT, I can smell civilization by the emissions and fuel burning!

When the air currents are right I can smell the ocean or NYC in a north breeze, especially in summer, the ozone is sickening!

This is no s~~~! NYC automobiles carry the smell of the city all the way to Northern Vermont! I know! A friend from NYC rented a ski house with me! His interior smelled like a mixture of sewer gas and emissions just like the city! Smokers don’t know the smell of smoke is SICKENING!!! He didn’t smoke cigarettes, he inhaled CITY!

Sometimes you can smell them Damned Yankee Fans!!! Haha

Kidding Guys!!!

Thats for the Death Taxes and the Curse sighs at Fenway. Jahaj

We never forget.

[Puffin StuffParticipant 24979]

I lived in the City for 30 years. I loved it. It was 20 minutes to everything.

I live in the country now and while it’s beautiful, it’s deadly boring.

Give the City a try. It doesn’t sound very exciting where you are.

Do it while your young. As you get older a City becomes more difficult.

#icethemout; Remember Thomas Ball. He died for your children.

[Author]

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