Miguel and SHARE and leaving 2

The transcription is about a person who is trying to decide between three different living situations: staying at Cher Ridgewood, getting a basement apartment in Prospect, or joining the LUUF intentional community in Wayne. Each option has its pros and cons, and the person is weighing factors such as financial stability, inner peace, and a sense of community. The current living situation is causing burnout and impacting academic performance. The person is considering having a conversation with their manager to set boundaries and improve their work-life balance. They are gathering information, seeking support, and considering all angles before making a decision. Co-living is also suggested as a potential option to explore. Whoa, okay, you weren't kidding about needing a deep dive. Yeah. We've got voice notes, texts, call transcripts, even photos from like a whole tour. You're really feeling the pressure with this whole living situation, huh? Yeah, it sounds like it. Let's see if we can help you untangle this web and find some clarity, you know? It's that classic struggle, financial stability versus like inner peace. Your sources really lay that dilemma bare. It sounds like you're trying to decide between like three main paths here. Sticking it out at Cher Ridgewood, trying for that basement apartment in Prospect, or like just making a giant leap to the LUUF intentional community over in Wayne. And each option has like its own unique kind of appeal. You're caught between a rock, a hard place, and well, a really interesting historic building with a potentially haunted past, from what you were saying. And probably some pretty interesting characters too. Oh, wait. Okay, so Cher Ridgewood. Let's talk about the elephant, or maybe the slightly cramped room in the room. I like that. Free rent, utilities included, even two meals a day. I mean, that's practically unheard of. Plus you're right near school and work. You've even picked up some serious life hack skills like crisis management, multitasking like a pro. Yeah, those are some valuable assets in today's world, for sure. Oh, yeah. But you know what they say, there's no such thing as a free lunch. And in this case, the price you're paying seems, well, pretty steep from what you've shared. Right. You mentioned the atmosphere being, and I quote, shitty. Yeah. Due to some difficult residence. Even having to isolate yourself in your own place just to find some peace, that's rough. That doesn't sound very sustainable. No. Not at all. And it seems like that always on feeling is really wearing you down. No clear boundaries with work, limited time off, even having to share a bathroom with contractors. Yikes. You're practically, you're living the definition of burnout. Yeah. And burnout can have some serious consequences. Not just emotionally, but like financially too. You're sacrificing time and energy that you could be putting towards like your studies, your future career. Have you considered that? Like, what if this situation is impacting your academic performance and limiting your earning potential in the long run? That's a really good point. And you can't really put a price on peace of mind. Exactly. Now this basement apartment at Share Prospect, you mentioned a full-size fridge and a dedicated dining space, no more eating on the floor. I'm sensing a vision board moment here. Ooh. It sounds like you're craving a space that feels like your own, a sanctuary. That mental shift can make a world of difference. Plus that physical separation from work could help you create some much needed boundaries. But it's not a clean break. You'd still be tied to the same workplace, same limited time off policy, no holiday pay. Just feels like you're swapping out slanted ceilings for lingering anxiety. And don't forget those pesky moving expenses. Even a short move can really add up. It seems like you're yearning for something more like fundamental, something that addresses the root cause of your stress, not just the symptoms. Yeah, and that leads us to option number three, the LUUF intentional community in Wayne. Okay, get this. This place dates back to the 1780s. Wow. That's older than America itself. Plus you only have two hours of housework a week, a more flexible schedule, and a built-in community that shares your UU values. Talk about a change of pace. And did you say there's a well with a mysterious past? And a resident who's like, a master at finding streaming deals, this is what I live for. The unexpected details, like stepping into a time capsule with Wi-Fi. Right, but of course there's the financial piece. Rent and fees would be a significant jump from your current situation. Plus Wayne isn't exactly known for its, you know, bike-friendly streets, so you'd be more reliant on your car. And then there's the age-old question of roommates, right? You never really know what you're gonna get. It's a trade-off. The potential for a supportive, like-minded community versus the comfort of the familiar, even if that familiar isn't always so comfortable. And you mentioned the LUUF might be a bit further from school. Have you factored in the, like, increased gas costs and travel time that could eat into your budget? And more importantly, you're already limited free time. It's a classic dilemma. The allure of a fresh start versus, you know, the practicality of what you already know. But what really struck me in your notes was how you described feeling like you're paying with your soul in your current living situation. That's a powerful statement. It really suggests that the true cost goes way beyond dollars and cents, you know? It highlights how important it is to, like, factor in our well-being, you know, when we make these big decisions. Sometimes what seems like the best financial deal can really cost us in ways we haven't even thought about. Totally. It's like they say, you can pay for it now or you can pay for it later, right? Speaking of taking charge, you mentioned writing a script for a conversation with your manager. Yeah, I love that. That's what I love to see. Proactive problem-solving in action. It takes courage to advocate for your needs. And putting it all down on paper, it can be so empowering, that first step. Totally. Yeah. You're aiming for two weekends off a month, holiday pay, and most importantly, a chance to establish some clearer boundaries around your role. Those seem like very reasonable requests. Yeah. Especially given, like, the level of responsibility you're shouldering there. Absolutely. And it's interesting, you mentioned that the previous two people in this role, they had their own income streams. Yeah. Perhaps, like, this arrangement only works if you have that financial safety net, or if it's time to reevaluate the structure altogether. Right, like, is this a live work situation or is it a live to work situation? It sounds like you're longing for a place where you can actually be part of the community, not just, you know, the resident staff member. That sense of belonging is so essential. And it sounds like it's been missing from your current setup. It's no wonder you're drawn to, like, that communal aspect of LUF, even with, you know, the inherent unknowns of sharing a space with new people. It's like choosing your own adventure. Right. Each path has its own set of question marks. But what's amazing is how thoroughly you're approaching this. Like, you're gathering information, weighing the options, you're even tapping into your network for support. You toured LUF, you chatted with residents, you scoped out the room you might be living in. You even consulted ChatGPT for help with that manager script. That's next level resourcefulness. And don't forget, like, all those calls with friends and therapists, bouncing ideas off of trusted sources, that can be incredibly valuable. Oh, 100%. Just saying things out loud, you know, it can totally shift your perspective. You're even considering talking to a lawyer about your employment contracts. Smart. Just to be extra sure about your rights. And you know what they say? Knowledge is power. Yes, it is. I love that you're not leaving any stone unturned. You know what I mean? This is how you make a truly informed decision. By considering every angle, gathering all those different viewpoints, and then trusting your gut. Yeah, because at the end of the day, you're the one who has to live with this decision. Yeah. So before we, like, head into our final thoughts, what's been bubbling up for you as we've been talking through all this? What's standing out? What's resonating? Honestly, I think for me it's your self-awareness. You're so tuned in to your needs, and you're not afraid to ask for what you deserve. That's, like, such a powerful quality. No matter where you end up living, you're clearly someone who values their well-being, and is willing to take action to protect it. It's inspiring, honestly. You're not just letting life happen to you. You're out there shaping it. You're making it work for you on your own terms, and I love that. But before we wrap up, I have one more thought to throw in the mix. Like, something you might not have considered yet. Ooh, I love a good plot twist. Hit me with it. Okay, so hear me out. Co-living. Have you looked into that at all? You know, that's a really good point. It kind of flies under the radar, but it could be a good sweet spot between your desire for community and, like, your need for independence. Exactly. Like, choose your own adventure living situation. You often get, like, your own private space, like a room or a small apartment, but there are those shared common areas for, like, hanging out, socializing, connecting with people. Some places even do, like events or workshops and stuff. And you mentioned in your notes that, like, finding affordable housing with a sense of community is, like, a huge priority for you right now. Co-living spaces are specifically designed to address those needs. Plus, you don't have to worry about, like, lawn care or maintenance. The worst. I know. It frees up so much more time for you to focus on your studies and, you know, just actually enjoy life. And think about this. Co-living could offer that, like, financial middle ground you've been searching for. It's generally more affordable than renting, like, a traditional apartment by yourself, especially in a walkable, bike-friendly area. Plus, that built-in community means less pressure to, like, constantly be on, like you are at Share. You could actually relax. You could recharge in your own space. It's all about finding that balance. And honestly, co-living spaces, they're designed with that in mind. They attract people from all different walks of life, people who are, you know, open to sharing experiences and building connections. It could be a great way to just, like, expand your social circle, maybe even find some study buddies, some future collaborators. Imagine that. It's like a built-in support system. And okay, okay, imagine this. What if, what if there was a co-living space near you that, like, aligned with your you-you values? Talk about hitting the jackpot. Okay, I'm adding research co-living spaces to my to-do list right now. This has been such a just thought-provoking conversation. Right. It's amazing what happens when you really dive into the details and explore all the different angles. Absolutely. So as you're navigating this whole decision, just remember there's no need to rush. Weigh your options. Trust your gut. And don't be afraid to, like, just get creative with your solutions. Because sometimes the best path is the one that you carve out yourself. Thanks for letting us join you on this deep dive. We're so excited to see what you decide. Yes. Good luck.