ᐅ Dissatisfied with new construction due to other options now available
Created on: 27 Sep 2021 12:51
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Crossy
I was just about to create a second account for this thread, but in the end, I decided against it. I’m not even sure if this thread belongs in the financing section. The purpose of this thread is not to show off; I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and my dissatisfaction is growing. Maybe some of you have had similar experiences, and I would be interested to know what you did.
I’m unhappy with our house. Not because it has any serious defects. It suits our current life situation, we have enough space, and next spring the garden will finally be finished and look great. Like many others, during the planning and construction phase, we set priorities because of our budget and gave up on some nice extras. Now, nearly 2 years after the financing was completed, our financial situation has changed significantly.
When we arranged the financing, I was just returning to work after my second parental leave, filling in as a temporary replacement during another parental leave. I knew the job was poorly paid (considering the required qualifications), but the overall package worked well, and I was confident I could manage it alongside the children. I always believed I would earn more in the long term and that this was only a transition back to work. Nevertheless, we based our financing on our income at the time because the financial future, even with good prospects, was uncertain. Therefore, we chose a more conservative approach and did not rely on future salary increases or push our budget to the limit.
Now, almost 2 years later, our financial situation looks completely different. I’m still with the same company but no longer in a temporary replacement role—I’m now a department head, and I have increased my working hours to fulfill this leadership position. Meanwhile, my husband has changed employers and was promoted. All in all, our combined income is about $4,000 more per month. And now I am annoyed by all the little things in the house that, in hindsight, wouldn’t have been a problem for us. With an additional $100,000–150,000, our house would be my dream home.
Many things cannot be retrofitted easily or without significant effort. I wish my dissatisfaction would fade over time so I could enjoy our very nice house and our financial freedom, but mentally I am thinking about selling and looking at plots nearby. My husband is bothered by a few things in the house as well but is generally more content and mainly wary of the hassle involved in building a new house.
I’m unhappy with our house. Not because it has any serious defects. It suits our current life situation, we have enough space, and next spring the garden will finally be finished and look great. Like many others, during the planning and construction phase, we set priorities because of our budget and gave up on some nice extras. Now, nearly 2 years after the financing was completed, our financial situation has changed significantly.
When we arranged the financing, I was just returning to work after my second parental leave, filling in as a temporary replacement during another parental leave. I knew the job was poorly paid (considering the required qualifications), but the overall package worked well, and I was confident I could manage it alongside the children. I always believed I would earn more in the long term and that this was only a transition back to work. Nevertheless, we based our financing on our income at the time because the financial future, even with good prospects, was uncertain. Therefore, we chose a more conservative approach and did not rely on future salary increases or push our budget to the limit.
Now, almost 2 years later, our financial situation looks completely different. I’m still with the same company but no longer in a temporary replacement role—I’m now a department head, and I have increased my working hours to fulfill this leadership position. Meanwhile, my husband has changed employers and was promoted. All in all, our combined income is about $4,000 more per month. And now I am annoyed by all the little things in the house that, in hindsight, wouldn’t have been a problem for us. With an additional $100,000–150,000, our house would be my dream home.
Many things cannot be retrofitted easily or without significant effort. I wish my dissatisfaction would fade over time so I could enjoy our very nice house and our financial freedom, but mentally I am thinking about selling and looking at plots nearby. My husband is bothered by a few things in the house as well but is generally more content and mainly wary of the hassle involved in building a new house.
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pagoni202030 Sep 2021 09:37driver55 schrieb:
What is even being debated here? 😎
Everyone can spend their money on whatever they like or feel they specifically “need.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
And even if there are 98 more pages of “good advice,” just do it. Period.;) Exactly, anyone can do that; just as anyone can “philosophize.” If we all always had an immediate “end point,” this forum could be closed. Generating ideas, re-evaluating oneself, reading criticism... such brainstorming is often the foundation for better decisions. There really is no definitive “end” to the discussion.
Often I think, if only people listened more often to philosophers instead of all those percentage calculators... Unfortunately, the artist, musician, and philosopher are often met with skepticism rather than respect…
Reducing working hours is not an option for either of us. We work 70%, which means 28 hours, and 80%, which means 32 hours. Of course, as is common almost everywhere, we have some leeway for overtime (flexible working hours). Fortunately, I can do overtime whenever I want—often in the evenings on the couch when the children are asleep. We can then take that time off at other times. This gives us even more flexibility, so I’m happy to work overtime.
These are already significant concessions from our employers. Otherwise, I would actually reduce my hours first, as this would probably improve quality of life the most. However, I also understand that the position could no longer be adequately covered then.
These are already significant concessions from our employers. Otherwise, I would actually reduce my hours first, as this would probably improve quality of life the most. However, I also understand that the position could no longer be adequately covered then.
ypg schrieb:
I know a pediatrician who lives in a (not ideal) used house, continuously renovating it, and has installed a pool. The money is spent on a horse for his wife, who doesn’t need to work, and a boat for leisure.
My general practitioner bought an old farmstead because his wife, also a doctor, wants to fulfill a dream before she potentially suffers from a hereditary illness: renovation, solitude, and growing vegetables.
A friend has a boat in the Canary Islands and one here, living alternately on each. The young couples around us are investing in vans, campers, and similar vehicles; three colleagues each have boats.
Fulfilling dreams for a better quality of life is the trend. I think that’s good.
We know quite a few people with a substantial financial surplus, but none of them are unhappy with their homes.
One couple did it differently: they built a bigger and fancier house (while we were building), then got a dog. Then the compromises came, and finally the divorce.
What I want to say: since the pandemic, investments in leisure have increased. I think that’s positive!
I would also reconsider the extra free time from reduced working hours. About 10% of my workgroup actively do this, and I think it’s a good thing.
Edit: I don’t even know what an aircraft carrier in the kitchen means. Once it’s there, what will it be? Basically a runway? Even bigger or longer? What will the house-building wish list hold next? It’s interesting how individual assessments of “good” consumption tend to be projected onto others. Boats, vans, or campers don’t interest me at all. I don’t need them, even though others have them, and I acknowledge that they bring those people enjoyment or benefits.
Everyone clearly has different preferences and should be free to live them out. You could just as well say that since the pandemic, more has been invested in houses, gardens, and their equipment. After all, with home office, I spend most of my time there anyway.
I also see the value in our house, which is why I resist tearing out what is quite good and new to replace it. If I sell it, the house remains, and someone else can enjoy having a young used house without the stress of construction.
By the way, “aircraft carrier” is a term from the relevant forum.
haydee schrieb:
Then I would reduce the housework.Oh yes, absolutely. We have a cleaning lady who is truly invaluable. We would gladly have her come a second time each week to do additional tasks. Currently, however, she has no availability. A gardener is also planned for a few times a year. This will probably be handled by the company that is currently also doing the landscaping.
And once the outdoor area work is finished here, the window cleaner will come.
Schimi179130 Sep 2021 09:57Crossy schrieb:
Oh yes, gladly. We have a cleaner who is really invaluable. She would be happy to come a second time a week to do additional tasks as well. At the moment, however, she has no availability.
A gardener is also planned for a few times a year. This will probably be handled by the company that is currently doing the planting.
And once the exterior landscaping is finished here, the window cleaner will come. Then I guess a cook (m/f/d) or/and someone to do the shopping is still missing... 🙂
Ironing is gladly outsourced as well.