Thoughts on living in my car to save money?

As a rising sophomore, who'll be entering the workforce in a few years,, I have pondered about my housing for the next couple years. After watching a documentary on minimalism, I came to a sudden realization: everything I could possibly want or need could be stored in my car. And even better, I would save so much money. My buddy who lives in the city is willing to let me park a car in his parents' garage for free. The only obstacle I could think of is showering, but I figure I can just get a gym membership at a local gym right nearby where my car would be parked, and shower there.

It would be comfy, as I would have pillows and heated blankets. I'm not worried about paying for food, as I know I can get more than enough granola bars, fruits, vegetables, and liquids to survive off of from health food stores.

I'm thinking that this set-up will allow me to have an absurd amount of extra money compared to other incoming analysts. I figure, if I am barely going to spend any time in my apartment anyway, and will probably be too tired to pursue girls or hang out with friends very often in the limited time typical of analyst stints, I might as well save some money while I'm at it. And just because I don't have my own apartment certainly doesn't mean I wouldn't be able to go out for drinks after work. What do people think of this? How common is this?

15 Comments
 
Best Response

Firstly, you can never be too tired to pursue girls.

But seriously, it's all based on personal preference. Some can justify spending their entire salary on a incredible apartment, because their salary allows them to. Likewise, you're on the other send of the spectrum and can justify living in a car to save money. What you say makes sense. It's economical.

But come on, is this a troll? I don't think you can really live out of a car by choice. I get the thinking behind it, but you don't value the importance of a proper nights sleep and the essential amenities that come with living in an apartment. For me, the amount of money that you save isn't worth the hassle that would come from living in a car. Imagine the thought of going home at 4am, knowing you'll be sleeping in a car for a 9am start tomorrow. Fuck. That.

Eventually, it'd actually be detrimental to your work. The money you'd save wouldn't come close to the effect it'd have on your performance at work. If you want to be frugal, you can do it in other ways. Meal prep your lunch. Cycle to work if you really want to. But, please...don't entertain the thought of living in a car.

Your life will be pretty shit as an Analyst. But this isn't a sprint. A decent apartment, friends and girls are all important to keep you sane. But if you're willing to make that big a sacrifice, fair play to you.

 

Why not just get a small apartment? Besides, how exactly are you gonna invite friends/family/women over to your car in a dark parking lot?

 

I know professionals who are RV full-timers, but that's a different setup than a car. They like "moving" to different neighborhoods and hate hotels.

Cars are not ideal for living in them, materials and parts won't last when used 24/7 and ergonomics aren't ideal for the human body. You'd trade your car for an RV, if you really want to keep costs down - but don't you make enough to get a decent apartment?

 

reminds me of this: http://www.businessinsider.com/google-employee-lives-in-truck-in-parkin…

I have a good friend who lives out of his RV, he likes it. I don't mind the minimalist thing (smaller spaces), but if you don't have a kitchen, you'll spend a lot of money on eating out, if you don't have a bed, you'll get less ass, and therefore be depressed.

better solution: if you move to a big city, sell your car, rent a smaller place. you'll save money you would've spent on parking, gas & insurance

 

Unless you have the discipline and mental stability of a Navy SEAL, your overall aura will be lackluster after the first two weeks of living out of your car.

 

I'm an ex Army guy and I wouldn't do that. It wears on you over time to not be sleeping on some kind of a bed. Even a cot somewhere can work if you have access to sanitation, but a car without any of that isn't worth it.

 

don't, your reputation as the analyst that lives in a car will proceed you as you meet vps and mds at the firm.

26 Broadway where's your sense of humor?
 

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