tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post744574216167798385..comments2023-10-08T05:10:34.219-05:00Comments on Who am I? Why am I here?: How do people afford this city?Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573358506904053791noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-75359921225551614012011-03-03T23:51:29.756-05:002011-03-03T23:51:29.756-05:00So I guess the people in DC really know how to fin...So I guess the people in DC really know how to find money-saving ways. I mean, if I were to live in a place where everything's expensive, then I would have to learn how to use my money wisely.<br /><br />For sure, aside from rent and food, car maintenance is one of the most costly things. In fact, some people are now resorting to DIY maintenance for obvious reasons. Good thing my favorite automotive shop isn't having a hard time getting new customers.Oliver Gannshttp://www.customerlink.com/content/acquisitionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-42320567737111936842007-07-08T00:20:00.000-05:002007-07-08T00:20:00.000-05:00Ultimately, the problem is government created. Hei...Ultimately, the problem is government created. Height restrictions drastically reduce the number of units that can be built in DC resulting in artificially high rents. <BR/><BR/>This pushes development out into the suburbs in the worst kind of way. Ultimately, this is caused by two issues: supply and demand AND negotiating power. If Congress didn't raise salaries, they might consider going out and negotiating big rent discounts with som eof hte major landlords like Southern Management. At least staffers then benefit from collective bargaining in negotiating rent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-39985498111007353332007-06-17T23:42:00.000-05:002007-06-17T23:42:00.000-05:00What's amazing about many of the above posts is a ...What's amazing about many of the above posts is a surprising lack of empathy for those scrambling to get by in DC. It's like a bunch of sadists have posted here: rather than saying, "Yeah, life in DC should and could be better," some commentators seem to relish the bad standard of living. Perhaps that's why our country is less and less a good place to live: its own citizenry appears to have given up expecting anything better. It appears our national oligarchs have won; a typical US citizen seems to be as mean-spirited and fatalistic as a typical citizen in Russia. What a disaster.<BR/><BR/>Michael Blaine<BR/>www.rudelystamped.blogspot.comMichael Blainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130407408359782469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-49513144424058423552007-06-15T23:50:00.000-05:002007-06-15T23:50:00.000-05:00Honestly, if you want cheap rent maybe you should ...Honestly, if you want cheap rent maybe you should reconsider relocating to a place like Fargo, North Dakota.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05500183382693034426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-83542738110834636992007-06-15T22:38:00.000-05:002007-06-15T22:38:00.000-05:00It's interesting that so many peopoe think that ch...It's interesting that so many peopoe think that cheap housing is a right because they want to work for non-profits, or congress, or the general what they consider "good". Sort of like they should get the moral discount. Spoiled brats, each of you. <BR/><BR/>And for those complaining about congressional salaries, generally you're the same type of "good government" people who are most outraged by the idiot reports of congressional staff taking trips, going to lunch with, god forbid, LOBBYISTS!!!!, and so on. <BR/><BR/>Look in your cracked mirror folks. To paraphrase Pogo, you have met the enemy, and it is you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-63184761735337551202007-06-15T16:02:00.000-05:002007-06-15T16:02:00.000-05:00"Anonymous said... I am a lowly Cap Hill Staffer. ..."Anonymous said... <BR/>I am a lowly Cap Hill Staffer. To survive, I did this crazy thing called getting a part-time job. 2:23 PM, June 14, 2007" <BR/><BR/>This means you're overworked, and not being effective on behalf of constituents. And that is the fault of your US Congress. <BR/><BR/>Notice how that institution never makes any of the best places to work lists that popular magazines produce? Notice (particularly in the case of Democrats) how it brow-beats foreign governments on their countries' working conditions, and then does nothing for its own staff? Notice (particularly in the case of Democrats) how it promises to bolster the middle class, but itself creates more working poor? <BR/><BR/>The fact that it's always "sucked" to work for Congress doesn't mean the place shouldn't begin to pay reasonable salaries, salaries commensurate with what one expect from the legislative branch of the richest nation in the history of the world. Moreover, the low salaries impede non-middle class kids from learning anything about the Congress directly, thus making our "democracy" more exclusionary.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-63773178059976816202007-06-15T11:31:00.000-05:002007-06-15T11:31:00.000-05:00I mean seriously, it's like she's writing about ho...I mean seriously, it's like she's writing about how much being lost in the desert sucks and wants to return to civilization, and y'all are giving her tips for preparing cactus and trapping jack rabbits.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01927705976502295612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-37146743466571583022007-06-15T10:49:00.000-05:002007-06-15T10:49:00.000-05:00If these annonymous posters could tell us why the ...If these annonymous posters could tell us why the sacrifices are worth it, their arguments might hold some water. But sacrifice for sacrifice's sake is just plain dumb. I know its *possible* to live on any budget in DC, but I couldn't tell you why its *worth* it. The jobs don't really add to your resume as much as you think they would, and in the meantime you've been spending a few grand a month to live in a closet. <BR/><BR/>I think that most people move out after 2 or 3 years, and they all have two things in common: they are cynical and they are broke.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01927705976502295612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-52650608024895960092007-06-15T10:03:00.000-05:002007-06-15T10:03:00.000-05:00Wow people have some attitudes. I'm the first to a...Wow people have some attitudes. I'm the first to accuse people of the "woe is me" attitude, but I didn't see it in this post. I think the point is DC is catering to people with money when many of us would be willing to pay less for less services, etc. Do I firmly agree DC also has a problem with true affordable housing? Definitely. But an ideal city would have spots for everyone.<BR/><BR/>Everyone did have great ideas about saving money, and one of the biggest in DC is to live close to a bus line. Last year I lived in the Brookland area, right across the street from Trinity Univ. I was on a bus line that went right downtown, the 80 line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-74409246905546426552007-06-15T09:59:00.000-05:002007-06-15T09:59:00.000-05:00There is a lot wrong with DC, but housing for the ...<I>There is a lot wrong with DC, but housing for the $27,000- $34,000 a year bracket is the last thing this city needs to worry about. There is real suffering going on here and, if you think you have it bad, think again.</I><BR/><BR/>Wow, can we quit the self-defeatist talk? Just because there is poverty in this city does not mean that people in the non-profit sector shouldn't demand better incomes for themselves. Is someone only allowed to expect to make more money if they're making minimum wage? How are we going to get good people to go into public service if they get paid less, don't get enough tax relief, and can't afford to live in the places where they are needed?<BR/><BR/>You realize that the low pay also will keep the non-profit sector one that only appeals to independently well-off people who can afford to supplement their low incomes, right?<BR/><BR/>I think the couple of Anons who posted here need to strap on a pair and ask for a raise rather than justifying this city's high cost of living and your low salary, lest you become inured to being under-compensated for your labor.<BR/><BR/>Thanks to everyone who offered productive comments about their experiences with housing and COL here, though.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573358506904053791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-45600323020199712772007-06-14T22:35:00.000-05:002007-06-14T22:35:00.000-05:00someone up there mentions rent controlled apartmen...someone up there mentions rent controlled apartments....do they exist anymore?!?!? Where are they!!!! Having been gone for just about 2 years during grad school, I've returned to find rent prices to be much higher than I had remembered. It sucks hardcore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-11573084956085790062007-06-14T22:19:00.000-05:002007-06-14T22:19:00.000-05:00I was making $27,000 for about five minutes. You ...I was making $27,000 for about five minutes. You get your foot in the door and then you move up.<BR/><BR/>If I wanted to have a ton of money I would have picked a different major and profession and moved to a different city. Why are you blaming others for outcomes of the choices you made?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-71938720520963319222007-06-14T20:34:00.000-05:002007-06-14T20:34:00.000-05:00I was lucky to find a reasonably priced place in O...I was lucky to find a reasonably priced place in Old Town Alexandria, but now OT is gentrifying even more and I'll be pushed out in a year or two. Granted, I'll be a GS-12 by that point, but things were rough the first year. All my friends and family back in Ohio think I'm living the high life. Nope, just high in expenses. I went almost a year without cable so I could maintain my car. I try to find cheap entertainment so when I splurge, it actually means something to me. I won't settle here, but the ride has been enjoyable if not lucrative.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-9738152144589931642007-06-14T18:58:00.000-05:002007-06-14T18:58:00.000-05:00Ugh. Great post. I'm a Hill intern for the 2nd yea...Ugh. Great post. <BR/>I'm a Hill intern for the 2nd year in a row, and am planning on moving to the city after graduation. I lately have been looking for an apartment and cannot find ANYTHING. When I went out on foot and saw a nice new complex being built, I inquired and learned that they start at $1.8 million. It looks as if I am going to have to live far into VA or MD in order to work in the city. <BR/>I find it ironic and wrong that public servants - the ones that keep the city running - the Hill, the Departments, etc - can barely afford to live in the city. I find it sick and disheartening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-62911519927372728592007-06-14T16:38:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:38:00.000-05:00Eh,When I moved to DC in the heady days of 1997, I...Eh,<BR/><BR/>When I moved to DC in the heady days of 1997, I was able to secure a rent controlled apartment near the Catherdal. I worked for a non profit. When I was fed up making peanuts I started working for defense contractors. Now I have a nice condo 'round abouts Logan Circle. And a number of other services I don't need but make my life easier.<BR/><BR/>I have about the same disposal income now as I did then. The more you make, the more you spend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-7760292903871038272007-06-14T16:33:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:33:00.000-05:00ANd then you'll graduate, and find yourself unempl...ANd then you'll graduate, and find yourself unemployed, and get a job offer for 37. It's awesome!kungpaohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03285279635743417304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-79548594447098374122007-06-14T16:24:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:24:00.000-05:00And then you'll get an MA and your loan payments w...And then you'll get an MA and your loan payments will double.kungpaohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03285279635743417304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-92032878692740797952007-06-14T16:22:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:22:00.000-05:00And then theyll raise your rent.And then theyll raise your rent.kungpaohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03285279635743417304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-64974582137669516302007-06-14T16:15:00.001-05:002007-06-14T16:15:00.001-05:00I think the idea is that you hopefully only make $...I think the idea is that you hopefully only make $30K for a few years and you somehow rapidly move up, at least to around $45K where life gets a little easier month to month.<BR/><BR/>The only reason I have made it here in DC working at a nonprofit is that I lived with my boyfriend (now husband) so we shared housing expenses. I'm not sure I could have done it alone very well.Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13792399774589205657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-23974709910431043532007-06-14T16:15:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:15:00.000-05:00You only need money to buy shit. do you really nee...<I>You only need money to buy shit. do you really need that shit? do you need tv? or that purse? or that car? live in a basement and enjoy all the beer and whole foods meals you want.</I> <BR/><BR/>I didn't even factor in "stuff" costs. I tend to have this philosophy too. I didn't even account for furniture costs. Also, I don't have cable, and I pointed out that it would be a relatively small but still extra cost in this hypothetical budget, but most people I know of, regardless of income, seem to have it, which is why I mentioned it.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573358506904053791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-40385819364396652962007-06-14T16:14:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:14:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573358506904053791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-58030348595312409652007-06-14T16:11:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:11:00.000-05:00It's all part of growing up. Don't worry-- you'll...It's all part of growing up. Don't worry-- you'll be making 38 K before you know it!kungpaohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03285279635743417304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-7451222953447186942007-06-14T16:08:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:08:00.000-05:00Pardon me- the movie is going to be called "...Ren...Pardon me- the movie is going to be called "...Rent?, or: I went to a top-tier university and all I got was this decent entry-level job and a moderate amount of disposable money"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-51363777436422701142007-06-14T16:07:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:07:00.000-05:00It's easy to live here on little money. 3 words: "...It's easy to live here on little money. 3 words: "dont buy shit." You only need money to buy shit. do you really need that shit? do you need tv? or that purse? or that car? live in a basement and enjoy all the beer and whole foods meals you want.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6586859.post-31657885366301831642007-06-14T16:06:00.000-05:002007-06-14T16:06:00.000-05:00I want to point out that I'm not complaining about...I want to point out that I'm not complaining about my own life, which some of the responses seem to be implying.<BR/><BR/>CBC, word.<BR/><BR/>Hill Staffer, I think you're kind of being an apologist for your employer. I'm sorry if it unsettles me a bit to see a college graduate earn so little, but it does, especially with the price of tuition today. Don't we justify the high salaries of doctors and attorneys because of the high cost of their professional training? Also, I don't think it's slothful to believe that people should not have to work more than 1 job to earn a decent living. That goes for a service sector job or a entry level white collar job.<BR/><BR/>To the person who said "the majority of people in this city are overworked and underpaid," why on earth woudl you glorify that? I think that's awful (and the reason why I probably won't stay here long term, though right now I'm fairly happy...)Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573358506904053791noreply@blogger.com