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Category: Life

Where the Hell are Our Cheap Third Spaces?

I really fucking miss third spaces. It's insane to think that my life as a child 20 years ago was more popping and interesting than it is now. I was constantly OUTSIDE. Biking and skating around the neighborhood cul-de-sac with my friends, going to bowling allies and skating rinks, chuck e cheese's, and birthday parties. 

Sure, this gaping emptiness can be partially attributed on the fact that I am currently unemployed, and moved back in with my family without a car. So I'm seeing 4 walls every single day, but I felt this emptiness even long before this transition. 

A year ago from today, I was living in San Francisco and I felt just as empty there as I do here. Back then, I had a remote job, so I didn't even have a physical job to go to. I spent my free time either walking the beach or at the park because these were the only places that were 100% free in that city, and didn't require me to purchase something to stick around. 

Whenever I felt the desire to venture outside of these few areas, I'd be hit with a minimum $50-100 fee. Forget joining a climbing gym, or pottery classes. Even my weekend dance classes cost $20 per session. I never built a community in that city because I felt paywalled out of everything, trying to survive on a non-tech salary. And I really tried! I found a city study lounge that promised socialization and connectedness for free on Sundays, but when I went in, I was met with a homogenous group of tech dudes that did not utter one word to me, and stayed to themselves in their own corners. Never returned again. 

I keep wondering what the hell happened to the world I was supposed to be a grown up in?? Where are the chill bookstores with cozy bean bag chairs, ambient lighting and live music?? Where are the places that don't require a hefty fee just to hang out? WHERE IS THE FUN???

I can't be okay with my social life peaking in elementary school. I don't know much longer I can take this. 




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Gabriel

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this is EXACTLY the reason I'm so happy I moved from the USA to Chile. Sure, we are a poorer country and dont have as much tech and money. But we have so many places to socialize for cheap or for free.


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Nice! I haven't had the opportunity to go abroad much, but from what I've heard Chile sounds amazing! Glad to hear these spaces still exist out there.

by Bree; ; Report