I recently failed to get a job because I haven't finished my Master's degree (don't tell my freelance writing clients; I lie to them). Apparently when it comes to directing a college residence hall, the difference between qualified and not qualified is a seventy-page thesis on the interplay between the Bible and American exceptionalism. (And I imagine this is one of those blog posts that will be set to "private" next time I apply.)
Anyway, I was all set on this job, which would have represented a decent lifestyle change for me. First, I would have had lots and lots of money (by my standards). Second, I would have moved into the provided apartment. I put a lot of energy into thinking about these changes, and now I find the thought of returning to same old apartment, same old (actually less) pay, same old everything to be somewhat unpleasant.
I've been seriously considering moving, just because I think I could use a change of pace/scenery/environment. I have no real issues with my current apartment; I just feel a pull to move on. There's a pricy apartment in the depot district that has been sitting empty for quite a while, which I've been considering trying to score at a deep discount. I've seen a few good apartments show up on college mailing lists (though they are mostly bigger places for which I'd need a roommate). And my current landlord has some other places at similar price points, but I'm kind of wanting to shoot for a higher quality unit than he generally provides. Anyway, I've gotten some encouraging remarks on this potential venture. Bekah is supportive, probably because when it comes to my eccentricity, she has to choose her battles. Brandi is supportive because she is even more eccentric than I am. Mother (nope, no website there) is supportive because she wants me to find some roommates and lower my housing costs (probably not gonna happen).
The thing is, my landlord is pretty awesome. He's a full-time landlord so by nature he is a sneaky bastard, having me sign a paper certifying the apartment was clean before I saw it (it wasn't) and a lease agreement stipulating that post-move-out cleaning costs are my responsibility (non-standard), and trying to charge me $20 for the privilege of renewing my lease (I decided to go off-lease rather than pay). But he is also as friendly and helpful as I can imagine a landlord being. Any issue I have (like thinking my stove is too hot or thinking there's a wiring problem because a light switch I didn't know about is turned off) prompts an immediate visit from his handyman, Micah, or whoever else is needed. No charges, ever. No charge to replace my screen, to charge for locking myself out of my apartment, no charge even when my idiocy surely earned them a bill from the electrician. The final balance is I'm a fan, and I always recommend his property service to new people.
In the latest infraction against common indecency, Terry actually had the nerve to pick up my water and trash bill for me, knowing I'm out of town. That's right--even though he's still paying the city for trash pickup and sewer fees, I get a pass on it this month. It's like he knows I'm thinking about moving, and wants me to feel really guilty about it.
I guess that is a sound business strategy.
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