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Chelsey Cook's avatar

Yes to all of this, as a fellow 33 year old freelancer who finally left BHam because I knew I could never afford a home there (not that I can afford one in Alaska either…). The flexibility of renting is a blessing and curse! I also recently moved several times within six months (the curse) but I can throw all my stuff in storage this fall and not pay rent at all when I go travel for a few months (the blessing). It’s hard sometimes to not feel like a failure or we’re doing something wrong by not owning sometimes, and your writing makes me feel better about the perks of friends and free time that comes with renting.

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Amanda Monthei's avatar

Always such a balance of blessings and curses. I call it "Zen and the Art of Not Being Able to Afford A House." It really does require an almost Buddhist (maybe stoic) approach to not go absolutely mad about how unfair it feels.

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Andrew Erickson's avatar

Fully relate to day dreaming about shop space, gardens, and home libraries while also accepting the freedom and affordability that renting provides. You might need to go apologize to your Tundra for calling it a beater though…

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Amanda Monthei's avatar

Fair enough, the dad truck never acts like it's a beater, though sometimes it can sure look like one. Will go out to the driveway and apologize right now! Haha

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Brittany Loca's avatar

Honestly sounds like you're getting a hell of a lot more bang for your buck and mental health than dealing with exorcising meth labs!

Sweet to hear about your new space all to yourself - isn’t that honestly the prize?!? Enjoy and yeah this economy can eff right off!

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