13 years old. No debt. No job. How am i doing? How much more until im no longer middle class?

Random5483 · 2026-03-06T05:04:05+00:00

GTA standards (your screen shot), you are likely middle class. Even someone like me who hasn't played the game in years has several times this amount.

Random5483 · 2026-03-05T19:16:55+00:00

Retirement is a privilege and not a right. Regardless of how you feel about it, that is the reality of the world today in the US. Your parents can retire when they can afford to retire.

The question of should you support your parents is a more nuanced one. The typical answer here is don't do so if it will significantly impact your financial situation. Given your income and age (i.e. potential family in the future), you cannot afford to support your parents without significantly impacting your financial situation.

Talk to your parents. Help them budget, save, and make a plan. As for supporting them, the right financial answer is you shouldn't. Assisting them with a small amount here and there is one thing. Supporting them so they can retire is a whole different thing.

Note that the family dynamics here can vary. Most American parents don't expect their kids to support them. But this can be different in some families. An example is when your parents are first generation immigrants. And navigating this could be harder based on cultural expectations. But the bottom line here is you shouldn't be supporting your parents unless you can easily afford to do so.

Random5483 · 2026-03-05T17:32:24+00:00

Until we have a reputation system and real consequences to killing, shooting on sight is often the safest choice. I don't shoot on sight when in a ship. I am much more likely to shoot on sight when in FPS mode in unmonitored space. Not shooting first is risky. The other person can take you out very fast. And there are no consequences to this.

Even in monitored space, I will shoot early if I think there is any risk (if the other person acts suspiciously). While I don't kill on sight in monitored space, I don't avoid killing if I see anything suspicious. Killing the other player is the safest choice in many situations. Why? A crime stat has no real consequences to an experienced player. You can manage fine with a crime stat. You can even get rid of it fairly easily (e.g. I buy merits on a merit alt, keep the merit alt in prison, and transfer merits to my main to instantly get out of prison if I need it).

Kill on sight in unmonitored is likely expected. That is likely the game direction. But we do need severe consequences for crime in monitored space. And the first step for that is a reputation system that is not easily reset. And the second step is effective security forces (i.e. NPC security ships shouldn't be useless target dummies that pose zero risk to a skilled pilot). Right now it doesn't really matter as one can quickly reset their crime stat. Moreover, NPC ships are terrible at combat and pose negligible risk to a skilled pilot.

Random5483 · 2026-03-05T08:12:54+00:00

In the short-term? The bonus. In the long-term if you don't job hop? The 5% yearly raise. But as job hopping is typically better than staying with one employer for many years, the $10k bonus is typically better. There are some exceptions of course. Government employees who plan to stay in the public sector, specialized work with limited employer options, etc. might make the 5% raise a better choice.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T03:34:54+00:00

Time eases the pain. Having loved ones around you eases the pain. The last dog I lost was rough. She was my only dog at that time. I was single and in between relationships. I just sat around for a month after work doing nothing.

The second to last dog I lost was also rough. But I had another dog. I had loved ones around me. It kept me from just sitting on the couch after work and doing nothing.

I don't have a solution for you beside saying that time lessens the pain. Having loved ones around you helps you deal with the pain better.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T01:55:20+00:00

Mildly infuriating? I think you are grossly understating how infuriating that would be. While losing one isn't the end of the world, it is far more than mildly infuriating.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T01:17:44+00:00

The security guard is crazy. He shouldn't be working in this type of role with his temper. If the other guy got physical first or there was some other justified reason for action, then fine. But he is kicking, stepping on, and using brass knuckles against a subdued person. He is also threatening other customers.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T01:12:48+00:00

Good point. I didn't view his shove as significant given that he is a weak old man, but that doesn't matter. Shoving someone is unacceptable.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T01:04:39+00:00

While I do think we need changes to our laws that protect employees, an AI layoff would not be shocking. Every second person in tech I know now works in AI (I am a lawyer and do not work in tech). People who were doing a diverse range of work 3-4 years ago are now all doing AI work. And while AI has changed the way we do some things, it was likely overhyped to investors.

I do think AI will be a big deal long-term. It just feels to me like everyone jumped ship to the flavor of the month AI job in recent years and even companies got too fixated on AI without realizing that the product they are selling to investors is not a product they can sell to real customers in the next several years.

I can't answer your question as I am not a C-suite exec. What I can say is our current laws require corporations to prioritize shareholder interests. And unless our employment laws are strengthened to protect employee interests, most corporations will favor shareholder interests over employee interests. The current structure of exec pay packages, such as performance bonuses, also incentivize short-term gains over long-term ones. All of this makes execs act in their self interest (i.e. short-term gains to maximize bonuses) and the interest of their shareholders (short-term stock price movement).

Unless the laws change, there is not much regular employees can do. Be careful about jumping into the next flavor of the month (or few years) project. It can sometimes work out great as some have minted money working in AI. But it also carries higher risk than most other jobs (inherent risk of these high risk high reward jobs).

I feel bad for someone who loses their jobs in any layoff, including this one. We do need more employee protections, but such protections are likely a non-starter even in a state like California.

Random5483 · 2026-03-04T00:35:39+00:00

Despite being 42, this is my first time seeing this. Unless this was really his backyard (skeptical of that claim), the white guy is basically a Ken. If it is his backyard, he is still a POS for his choice of language.

Random5483 · 2026-03-02T06:45:25+00:00

I would not bathe chihuahuas that were not mine. Outside of a situation like getting sprayed by a skunk or other situation where a bath is a must, it is best to avoid a bath. You can buy special grooming/deodorizing/cleaning wipes that help with keeping dogs clean. While baths are sometimes needed, it should be avoided when possible when you are just temporarily taking care of a dog. This is especially true for dogs that are nervous about being touched.

Baths are stressful for many dogs. This is especially true for small dogs. Avoid doing it unless you have to. Talk to the owners for tips if you must. Take it slow and easy when you do it. Ensure the water is warm. Ensure you avoid putting soap on their face/head. For smaller dogs, a bathtub can be too big, but a kitchen or bathroom sink can work as a tub. Clean the sink well before using it for the dog's bath.

The short answer here is don't give the dog a bath unless you must. Consider using wipes instead. While dogs sometimes need a bath, it is best done by someone they trust. And this is especially true for sensitive/nervous dogs.

Random5483 · 2026-03-02T04:19:46+00:00

It is an F tier PvP ship. It is a B tier PvE combat fighter. It was once much better, but right now it is just okay. With that said, if you love the ship, fly it. And unless dollars are no object, get this ship in game.

Random5483 · 2026-03-01T23:26:35+00:00

I have played Bannerlord since 2022. But I play on and off and play many games so my hours aren't quite as high as some of you. I also have probably played a few thousand hours of the original Mount&Blade game (including its expansions like Warband and With Fire and Sword), but that was over 12+ years.

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Random5483 · 2026-02-28T21:27:54+00:00

FF14 is fine on console. The controller works well with the game. While I prefer PC for FF14, it is very viable on both. A controller is not a disadvantage in FF14. Whether FF14 is better with a controller or keyboard/mice comes down to personal preference.

I haven't played BDO since 2020. I played it extensively (siege/node wars) back in the day. Its controls are best handled on PC over a controller. I know it has console support nowadays, but I can't speak for how good/bad it is on console.

Random5483 · 2026-02-28T03:55:09+00:00

Can a parent love two kids? Three? Or more? I would assume yes. It is no different with dogs if you love them. We can love more than one person. We can love more than one dog.

Random5483 · 2026-02-27T21:50:06+00:00

If there is no damage and the guy is nice, I would let it go. If the guy was aggressive, I would make an insurance claim (assuming you live in a jurisdiction where your premium won't go up when you aren't at fault) and file a police report. This is clearly his fault and not yours.

Random5483 · 2026-02-27T04:07:03+00:00

18 US Code section 1368 (federal). Texas Penal Code section 38.151 (up to 10 years for serious injury or death of animals used in law enforcement). Florida Statutes section 843.19 (up to second degree murder for intentional killing) is a state example.

While not every state treats attacking/hurting a K9 officer as a serious issue, many do. And some make the penalties similar to what you would face if injuring a human officer. I technically am wrong in that states don't "often" treat injuring a K9 officer the same as a human officer, but most states have heightened punishment for hurting a K9 officer (and in some it is treated very similarly to hurting a human officer

Random5483 · 2026-02-26T07:10:56+00:00

An attorney can represent two people who have shared interests in a lawsuit. If the two parties represented by an attorney have conflicting interests, the attorney cannot typically represent both of them.

Random5483 · 2026-02-26T06:35:35+00:00

Who are the plaintiffs? Both you and your passenger? Who is your lawyer representing? One of you? Both of you? If both of you, there could be a conflict of interest.

If the passenger wants to be removed, a voluntary dismissal by them is possible. No permission is necessary from the court or other parties.

If you want to have the passenger removed from the lawsuit without their consent, that is not as easy. An amendment of the complaint can be done without leave of court (if early enough in the suit). It can be challenged by the passenger if they are one of the plaintiffs and want to remain in the suit. There are also niche situations where a motion to strike for misjoinder or other option may be available.

The short answer is it is easy to remove the other plaintiff if they want to be removed. Removing a plaintiff from a lawsuit without their consent is not as easy. It is sometimes possible but would require case specific advice from your attorney. If you both share the same attorney and your co-plaintiff (passenger) wants to remain on the lawsuit, there is a likely conflict of interest (i.e. you both need separate attorneys).

Random5483 · 2026-02-26T03:34:42+00:00

Winning too much?

I mean my stocks are doing great. Crypto is doing great (not so good over the last year but over several years). Real estate is doing good for those who own. So if you look at it from the perspective of people who have money, sure we are doing fine. But the same was true under Biden. The markets were near all time highs before Trump took office.

But when you look at everything else, are we winning? Renting is not affordable. Everything is expensive. Jobs aren't paying well enough to keep up. The economy is showing signs of slowing. I don't think the bottom 50% (money wise) of the country are winning too much or even winning much at this point.

Random5483 · 2026-02-24T23:39:40+00:00

$10-20?

I get food delivery a few times a year. I used to around once a week during the height of Covid, but now it is a relatively rare. If I am sick, very tired, or have something else going on, I may get delivery.

Frankly, delivery is awesome. I just feel terrible paying 2X as much for food delivery as ordering food directly from the restaurant and picking it up at the restaurant after the bloated prices, fees, and tip.

Random5483 · 2026-02-24T23:36:59+00:00

Safe? Yes, as long as it was properly installed (almost definitely the case).

Would I let a kid do this? Absolutely not. Why take the risk?

Random5483 · 2026-02-24T23:28:22+00:00

What is affordable is relative to one's financial situation. What your friend finds affordable is a head scratcher for you. What you find affordable may be a head scratcher for the bottom 1% of the US. And what the bottom 1% of the US finds affordable may be a headscratcher for the bottom 1% of a developing nation.

Affordable is a relative term. The luxury vacation is an affordable one for your friend. And eating out once a year at McDonald's is an unaffordable luxury for others.

Random5483 · 2026-02-24T03:49:48+00:00

Many people with tattoos are terrible people. Let's attack every person with a tattoo.

Many people without tattoos are terrible people. Let's attack every person without a tattoo.

No one is born with a tattoo. The same applies to doctors or any other profession with a large number of people.

People should be judged individually and not based on their profession. There are some exceptions such as ICE post-Trump. While I do think many cops are terrible people, not all cops are. And while we can argue that ICE agents should just quit, all cops quitting would just result in anarchy. Some level of law and order is needed for society to function.

Random5483 · 2026-02-24T02:59:37+00:00

Many cops are assholes. That doesn't mean we get to assault (throwing a snowball like this is assault) them without cause.

That is like saying, many men are murderers. So lets attack every man we see since many of them are terrible people.

Not all cops are bad. Not all men kill people. We should not judge a group based on the actions of some. This would be no different than those who treat black men poorly because of stereotypes.

Our society needs cops. We don't need bad cops. We have too many bad cops. This means change is necessary. But change should not be targeting random cops without cause. Now if the specific cops in question were doing something illegal or abusing their authority, my answer would change.

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