The Pointless Annoyances in Modern Technology and the Financial Barriers of Living in Expensive States
It's no secret that modern technology and certain decision-making processes within corporations can be frustrating. One such example is the humble leaf blower. Why on earth would someone choose to disturb the peace with a machine that simply moves leaves a few feet to the side instead of vacuuming them up? It's almost as if the Red Dwarf character 'Bazookoid' needed a device to launch leaves.
Annoying Features of WhatsApp
Another modern technology that drives me to the brink of madness is the delayed and convoluted "Channels" feature in WhatsApp. Why on earth would they recommend celebrity channels on the status tab? How creative must one be to think that showing people random celebrities is the best use of their time? It's as if WhatsApp has decided to morph into a social media platform, slowly replacing the original messaging functionality.
Financial Barriers in Expensive States
When it comes to housing and cost of living, certain states in the U.S. top the charts in making life impossible for those who wish to live comfortably. California, Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts shine as examples of states where the cost of living is astronomically high. Let's dive into the stark financial realities faced by those who have pursued higher education to live in a tech hub like California.
Imagine working hard for years, going to school, and pursuing a degree in tech only to fall victim to the housing market in California. Houses priced at over $900,000 in the most expensive cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are simply out of reach for most people. Meanwhile, similar homes in states like Texas or Florida cost around $250,000 or less. This massive gap in housing prices can leave individuals facing a choice between comfortable living or debt.
High Cost of Living in California
The cost of living in California is notorious, and it adds up quickly. For instance, the average cost of buying a house in California in 2020 was:
San Francisco: $1,297,511 Los Angeles: $816,438 San Diego: $800,746 Sacramento: $440,447 Bakersfield: $330,317Even for someone earning a minimum wage, reaching these house prices is a distant dream. The average California state tax is the highest in the U.S., followed by a high sales tax, third-highest car sales tax, and some of the highest gas prices. On top of that, there are steep property taxes and home insurance costs.
Additional Financial Challenges
When you live in California, the list of expenses multiplies exponentially:
Property tax Home insurance State income tax (highest in the US) Sales tax Car insurance Car registration fees High gas prices Medical insurance and fines for not having it Transportation costs for moving from another stateThese additional costs create a financial burden that can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, some people end up living in subpar conditions or struggle with debt to cover these expenses. The impact is particularly severe in Los Angeles's Skid Row, where homelessness and unattractive women are more common.
No Time for Love
The high cost of living can greatly affect one's social life. For individuals trying to date, options like Tinder and Plenty of Fish become less appealing when they are hammered with high housing and living expenses. It seems that between paying for their house and other essentials, these individuals might not have time or energy to date.
Conclusion
The financial barriers and the pointlessness of some technology can create significant challenges. While not everyone can escape these expensive states, it is important to be aware of these challenges.
As you navigate the world, keep these considerations in mind to make more informed decisions about where to live and how to manage your finances. Let's live with a sense of awareness and not waste our precious resources on pointless endeavors.