One of the interesting things I find about being, essentially, homeless. Is that the people that own property take little value in the small things. You take the time to clean the microwave, clean the kitchen, let the dogs out to do their business and call them back when they start bothering the neighbors. I was paying 400 a month for quite and privacy and in exchange to access to the remainders of my library.
When I made this agreement I was asked how I did around dogs. I said, I was not a fan of living with dogs, or pets of any type for that matter, because of breathing problems and the amount of damage they do to electronics.
I was only intending to stay three months, the owners stated six months, never provided a written agreement, which I've requested on multiple occasions.
At some point during that time two things happened.
1. I lodged a complaint concerning the care of the dogs, their access to the room I was renting and urination on my belongings, including the clothing and bedding.
One of the dogs attempted to bite me when they were feeling playful, it was unsuccessful. However, considering the neighbors also have children and animals of their own and the dogs are hostile towards these individuals I voiced concern over this but rather than remedying the situation another dog was brought into the home that was more invasive and aggressive than the other. Not in a biting sort of way, but in a way of impediment and jumping into personal space.
2. The Covid-19 events happened and we were quarantined. I used my quarantine relief funds to purchase a items necessary for keeping as distanced as possible based on federal, state, and local, suggestion as well as pay back rent and bills after having hours cut at my place of employment.
3. My tax return has been on hold and has made no response since being filed in...(February)?. The anticipated return was to be used to cover the remaining balances on a closed account with the Power Company and the remainder of my school tuition balance and any remaining to pay for relocation costs. i.e. first and last months rent/deposits/moving vehicle etc.
4. I rented a storage unit with a coworker to begin putting my things in storage in anticipation of becoming homeless when the terms of the verbal lease agreement were ended.
5. I began inquiring at work, since the end of the fall school term of 2019, about pay rises/hours increases to accelerate my debt payments and reflect stable income for refinancing research and educational costs.
6. My life was/has been threatened several times in the intervening amount of time because of my refusal to be bullied into submission and wish to further my education/professional goals.
7. My initial wish to move and seek employment/schooling was in the Washington D.C. Area
8. I've been looking for a assistance to move for a year now with little to no viable responses that would not put me further into debt or increase the amount of overhead required to seek out such jobs.
9. When the pandemic struck I asked about staying until the end of the election to ensure that my ballot would not be withheld again.
10. Laundry, kitchen, and shared work facilities during my normal operating hours are and have been blocked by others laundry and dishes, which there was no agreement to do but it was either finish the laundry or take my things to the local public laundry.
11. Writing and Sleep have been regularly interrupted by dog fighting, dog barking, and the shaking of the entire house structure by roommates.
12. Keeping to myself is a bit of a professional requirement as well as a mental health requirement. Sadly it makes creating meaningful connections difficult.
13. "You don't pay enough..." is the argument that everyone makes.
Well, yeah, I'm not paid enough either. I contribute every way that I can.
14. At the start I sit down and say "Hi, I'm odd, and if you've done your homework you know how odd." If you haven't done your homework I apologize in advance but I'll do my best to explain. Though I am getting a little tired of explaining all of the time.
15. I always state my desired rate. However, in the world of the American Labor Market employees no longer seem to have that bargaining ability. And the ability to afford and have access to basic human necessities.
....rant rant rant rant.
