Flooded with Regret: My First Year in the City"

Okay, so let me tell you about the absolute *nightmare* that was my first apartment in the city. I moved to New York right after graduation because I scored this fantastic job, or at least, what sounded like a fantastic job, at a start-up in the city. It was one of those "work hard, play hard" environments. Lots of "team building" activities that were really just drinking games in disguise. But, hey, it paid decently and it was better than moving back in with my parents.

Anyway, I found this super adorable, only slightly run-down, apartment in Queens. It was still expensive as *heck*, but way cheaper than anything in Manhattan. The landlord seemed nice enough. Little old lady, Mrs. Chen. She gave me a plate of cookies when I signed the lease.

Fast forward a month, I came home to find the entire apartment flooded. The upstairs neighbors had apparently decided to try some sort of at-home aquatic therapy, and their tub had overflowed. I had no renter's insurance (because who thinks about that when they're 22?), and Mrs. Chen was nowhere to be found.

I spent the night in a cheap motel, trying to get a hold of my landlord who finally called me back the next morning. She flat out refused to take any responsibility for the damage, telling me it was between me and the upstairs neighbors.

So I did what any self-respecting millennial would do - I took to the internet to vent. I shared my story on this forum I frequent, Storytellers.cloud, under the 'Money & Adulting' section. To my surprise, it blew up. People were sharing their own rental woes, offering advice, and even making donations to help me replace my stuff.

I did eventually manage to get my upstairs neighbors to cover some of the damage, but not before I had to move out temporarily while they repaired the apartment. I stayed with a friend from work, and let me tell you, sharing a tiny studio apartment with a coworker is an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

I've learned so much from this whole ordeal. Renter's insurance is a must. Always have a back-up living situation. Be prepared for your landlord to be less-than-helpful. But most importantly, the internet is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people who are willing to help out a stranger in need. I'm still living in the same apartment, but I've taken steps to ensure something like this never happens again. And Mrs. Chen? She hasn't made me any more cookies, but she did finally agree to fix that leaky faucet in my bathroom.

So yeah, there's my tale of money, adulting and rent woes in the city. Even if it was an absolute *nightmare*, I can't say I regret it. It's all part of the big, messy, hilarious journey that is adulthood.

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