The Soapbox Thread

So many of us are facing difficult times right now that I thought it might be comforting to have a thread where we can come and "dump" our problems without making others feel obligated in anyway to try to help. This is just a place to dump and perhaps receive a little encouragement so that we don't feel so isolated in our woes.

Let me be the first to comment here because I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use the emotional support of my friends. LOL! As I have mentioned on another thread, my office has been laying people off left and right. The president of our firm called an impromptu meeting this morning to discuss additional lay-offs, and/or salary reductions for those who stay. Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones and still have my job, albeit at a reduced salary.

In addition, I recently found out that the rent on my apartment is being raised by an additional $510.00 per month. I've been living in this place for eight years and rent has been raised twice for nominal amounts. This however is a huge and unexpected increase.  I have been looking for alternative accommodations but am beginning to realize that the rent on all of the places I've looked at thus far is equivalent to the cost of the increase where I am.

With the current employment climate, I can't afford the additional rent whether I stay or leave (BTW, $1,000.00 plus per month rent is average for a studio apartment that has no bedrooms, so sharing the rent even if I did find a roommate is not an option. Two bedroom apartments are $2000.00 plus per month, so a larger apartment and a roommate really doesn't help the situation). Of course, even if I found something suitable that I can afford I am still looking at shelling out a minimum of $3,000 upfront (first, last, and security on a new apartment, plus the cost of hiring movers and a van).  None of which I am in a position to afford.

One thought keeps recurring to me, if I can sale my vehicle, and thereby not have that monthly expense, I would be able to cover the additional rent with no problem. In my desperation, I have advertised my vehicle for sale to a private owner, but I owe more than the car is worth and there have been no takers. My next thought is to do a volunteer repossession on my vehicle, but I would still have to pay the difference between the re-sale value and what I owe. Again, more than I can afford at the moment.

I keep hoping that what they say is true, that things look the darkest just before the dawn.  I am ready for some sunshine.

Oh Diana!! I am sooooo sorry!!!

But I TOTALLY TOTALLY TOTALLY understand where you are!!! I am in a quite similar situation!!

I am so happy you put this threat up! I, especially today, feel quite fustrated and would love a place to vent so that I dont dump on the one person that has to listen to all my woes!!

I had to have a little giggle at Krissy's typo "I am so happy you put this THREAT up" It made me visualize Diana saying "You'll post here or I'll be after you".

Diana, I can't believe you pay so much to rent, that is apaulling. Our mortgage for our little house costs that much. 

I hope poeple can release a bit of frustration here (in a family friendly manner). 

I am blessed to have few concerns at this time, but am more than willing to lend an ear. 

Sue, rents within a 50 mile radius in any direction of Boston is insane. One of the things that drive it are all of the colleges. Property owners know that they can hike up the rent and fill an apartment with four to six college students and charge their parents $500 per kid and make a killing.

It sure does make it hard for those of us who live alone and on a budget.

Ron, thank you for your kind thoughts and words. Prayers are most welcome!

(((((((((((((((((((( Scarlett ))))))))))))))))))

Already sent prayers up over the Rockies....