Why do I worry?

KontanKarite · 04-04-2008, 07:15 PM

But I do.

Several things bother me. They really do.

I don't even know where to start because it's all so compounded into one solitary thing.

To start off, I'm now unemployed. I got fired for bullshit reasons. But whatever.

Firstly, I don't own a car. I don't think I ever will. But it comes at a cost. If I were to buy a car, that could add on to the responsibilities I already have. I have enough to afford one. But can I afford insurance? Gas? I'm feeling the strain of it all and the only reason I've been able to save money is because I don't have my own vehicle.

It goes deeper than this though. The social backlashes from not owning a car can be pretty shitty.

Also, if I were to buy a car, it would lock me into this city indeffinatly.

Fuck... you know what. Nevermind. I need a voice and an ear because this is going to end up being more long winded than I'd care for it to be.

It's been a while. Maybe I should have a decent cry for now. Frustration. It's a bitch.

GothicChristian · 04-04-2008, 07:23 PM

You could vent to me. I'm feeling rather unscathed by my own problems at the moment. That's the best time for me to help others! You could email me.

ominous_alterego@yahoo. com

edit: Long winded stories are sometimes good, the feeling of relief you get just sharing your problems with someone is unbelievable.

KontanKarite · 04-04-2008, 07:30 PM

I appreciate it. I'm using meebo. Is your screen name the same as your email?

GothicChristian · 04-04-2008, 07:37 PM

What's a "meebo"? I feel like I should know, but I don't. If that's something akin to IM, yes; if not, I'm still confused.

>.<

Tea and Cake or Death · 04-04-2008, 09:10 PM

I am sorry. I honestly understand how you feel. I worry way too much as well. I hope GothicChristian can help ease your mind. I'd be more than happy to listen too, but I trust by this time you've sorted a majority of your emotions and thoughts out.

emeraldlonewoulf · 04-04-2008, 10:47 PM

Kontan - keep in mind, a car does not have to be fancy or expensive. This will sound like a lame ride, I know - but hear me out. You know those little four-banger Japanese hatchbacks that were sold in the mid 80's? Like a Honda CRX, or civic? Cars like that have low fuel mileage, low insurance rates, and don't usually cost much up front. (Thus, avoiding expensive payments,interest, etc) It doesn't take much to spiff 'em up either, once you have the dough.

It may not be the hottest thing on the street, but it is economical transportation when you need it, and cars like this a reasonably easy to repair and maintain, given their age, you can usually get by with a basic tool set and a Chilton manual.

Transportation is one of those things that can facilitate independence. An independent person can go where they want, when they want. The only difference is,the independent people with cars don't have to walk.

I can understand not wanting the extra responsibility of a vehicle, and many of the concerns you might have, what with fuel prices, etc. But hey, this might give you the reason you need to get a little VW bug or other diesel car, and convert it to run from vegetable oil.

Tea and Cake and Death seconded, I figure you've gotten things hammered out a bit by now, but hey, if you want to talk, hit me up on Aim or Yahoo messenger, info is in my profile.

as a side note, what is meebo? *runs off to check google*

EDIT* oh, I see, it is like Trillian, except this looks like it might be a bit better...

Xombie · 04-04-2008, 11:06 PM

Why should I worry?
Why should I ca-ha-ha-hare?
I may not have a dime
But I got streeeet savoire faire!

Sorry. It reminded me of Oliver and Company.

I'll have to agree with the others. You can try to find a cheap economy car with high miles per gallon, as that will lessen the worry about gas costs. Insurance shouldn't be too high if you buy an old used vehicle, maybe between 85 and 92. That way it won't be too beat-up or too new.

Actually, I don't really know much about cars, so you might want to disregard everything I said. :[ I tried.

HumanePain · 04-05-2008, 11:11 AM

Hey guys, I think Kontan is worried about more than just compromising for a car. I think he is worried about surrendering his freedom by allowing a ball and chain of sorts to bind him to long term financial obligations, thus entering financial slavery.

I hear you brother. I have been a slave for decades.

Do what makes you happy, not what makes you acceptable to others. I spent decades obtaining transportation, home ownership, material furnishings and I can tell you it is not worth trading decades of your life, especially your youth.

Want wrinkles, ulcers and a neurosis? Then put your nose to the grindstone, and when you finally lift up your face one day to look in the mirror you will see somebody else, not you.

: puts on Schism by Tool and mopes:

emeraldlonewoulf · 04-05-2008, 02:19 PM

Amen to EVERYTHING Humane Pain just said. That's why I tried to suggest the most economical solution I could think of, something that wouldn't involve payments.

I can relate to the issue. Most vehicles I've bought in my life have been through private sale, used, for exactly that reason. More often than not, they weren't pretty ( although some of the 4x4's were ALOT of fun

)

It is true, you have to be careful, and have someone check it out, but most people won't object if you want to swing by a mechanic shop on the test drive. just make sure with the shop beforehand. If they have an issue with a qualified mechanic, walk away. it isn't worth your time..

I don't know what things are like wherever Kontan is, but here, it is possible to get a running, decent older car for about 700 - 1000, the 700 end being if you are willing to search and bargain. Not the prettiest cars, but transportation.

Underwater Ophelia · 04-05-2008, 02:21 PM

You'll be ok.

KontanKarite · 04-13-2008, 02:59 AM

That's some sage old advice there, Ophelia. I still haven't forgotten the last time you said that.

Humain is entirely correct. He's for the most part anyway. About 85% correct. Thanks for the insights, guys. I will have it figured out somehow.

As Ophe has said, I'll be okay and she's right. I am, even when I don't think I am, a tenacious person who somehow figures out how to keep his head above water or at least does through accident as well. Heh.

prophecyofdoom · 04-13-2008, 03:53 AM

Having a car isn't so great for your social life. All my money goes to repairs/insurance/gas, so I can't afford to go out as much. Besides, it's not like you can get wasted with your friends if you have to drive home at the end of the night! :P

Yeah, I'm filled with unease about my financial situation myself

*mopes*

..You know what? Fuck worrying about money. I'm off to go look at porn.

KontanKarite · 04-13-2008, 12:59 PM

Bravo, Proph. Bravo.

ionic_angel · 04-13-2008, 06:39 PM

You know, I think that getting a car is the lesser of two evils here.

See, there is the slavery to financial obligations that HumanePain points out. However, there's another side to the story:

If you don't get the car, what effect will that have on you? Will you find yourself enslaved to the daily hassle of arranging rides, finding jobs within human-powered/mass transit modes of transportation? Perhaps finding a car that is reliable and cheap will free you from the daily worry of not having a car.

If you have self-control, paying off a car can be fairly easy. I got my Civic for 3500, and while, admittedly I don't have it completely paid off, that's only because I had a personal business go belly-up on me.

prophecyofdoom · 04-13-2008, 08:59 PM

Unless you have achieved an exceptionally blissful level of financial security, if you buy a new car, you will be forever paying it off. If you buy and old car, you will be forever paying mechanics to fix stuff on it. Its my largest expense next to utility bills. And I have a good friend who is a mechanic and gives me amazing deals. I quite happily took buses and trains for years, I enjoyed the public transportation thing, really. Now I've gotten used to the ease of just getting in the car and going home at the end of the day. I don't think I could go back to walking to the train station and waiting sometimes 30-45 minutes for the next train. But I still have to deal with finding rides to/from places because when I go somewhere socially I can't fully enjoy myself if I have to worry about driving home at the end of the night. Not only can I not drink, I have to consider if I will get too tired to drive and leave earlier than I often would like to. Of course, I'm new to having a car so maybe this will be less of an issue when I get more used to driving.

KontanKarite · 04-23-2008, 10:15 PM

Well, I've got a bike now. Well, just about. It was kinda donated to me in a way. All I have to do is get a couple of things repaired on it. The bus system in Louisville offers bike racks on the front of the buses. So this will help. I'll be out 30 bucks to get it fixed up. Good thing my town is a very bike friendly town.

emeraldlonewoulf · 04-24-2008, 08:42 AM

well, it sounds like a step and possibly a good compromise. good luck with it.

Renatus · 04-24-2008, 10:15 AM

Bike racks on buses...interesting, I certinly wish my local bus system had that. I think I would take the bus more often then since the closest bus stop is miles away.

DeathToLems · 04-24-2008, 11:14 AM

The bus costs £2 out here! Even if your just going 2 stops up the road.
I've thought about getting a car. It would be so much easier! But I cba. I'm fine with wearing down my boots and catching buses. XD

Oh and *hugs Kon* I hope you're feeling better now.

emeraldlonewoulf · 04-24-2008, 05:43 PM

if I was in a city it would be awesome to use public transportation, but out here, if you don' town wheels your work options are EXTREMELY limited, and you have to pay twice as much for everything you need. Even the thrift stores cost more.

DeathToLems · 04-25-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emeraldlonewoulf

... and you have to pay twice as much for everything you need. Even the thrift stores cost more.

Yea there are places near where I live where its a more expensive area so why they think they should put the prices up in thrift stores I have no idea.
And I've never understood why they have a sales section in charity shops. Hmm

emeraldlonewoulf · 04-25-2008, 02:34 PM

well, I'm glad the sales section is there. I suppose every type of store has to try to move unwanted merchandise from time to time.

I find the yard sales this time of year to be much better, everyone clears stuff out in spring. Yard sales are much more open to bargaining as well

mindless1 · 04-26-2008, 01:44 PM

"awww poor emo" i hate people who do that.

Don't feel bad- HAVE A GREAT DAY.

electrosexual · 04-26-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindless1

"awww poor emo" i hate people who do that.

Don't feel bad- HAVE A GREAT DAY.

I find it outstanding how you so readily display your ignorance. Usually stupid fucks like you know theyre worthless and keep their mouths shut (or get an education) but no, not you. You truely are a dope.

mindless1 · 04-27-2008, 03:03 PM

You have one dirty mouth you fucking sob.
I am not ignorant. You're the stupid fuck. Don't throw your shit at me.
YOU truly are an asshole. How's that? Fair? No, you're an asshole who has to practice being mean to get good at it- me on the other hand, I haven't even bothered learning to be a hypocritical jackass.