Poll: Over One Third of New Yorkers Have a Second Job, Seek Overtime

Empire State residents are feeling the pinch of the slowing economy as a Siena Research Institute poll finds 34% of respondents have either taken a second job or seek overtime. Two thirds are worrying more about money and 74% say rising food prices are affecting their budgets ("67% of shoppers are buying less expensive items, 60% have cut back on treats like cookies or candy in favor of needed items, and 60% are choosing store brands or generic items over name brands"). Researchers believe many are trying to save money for winter heating bills, as 80% are worried about the winter weather. SRI Director Dr. Don Levy said, "Even though more New Yorkers expect the economy to decline than to improve over the next twelve months, by a margin of 49% to 32%, residents think their personal situation will improve.” [Image via Worth1000]

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By Jen Chung in News on September 10, 2008 4:29 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

^Really? Then I recommend they burn one and chill to some acid rock.

GOP

The ppl protesting when Iran's president came to Columbia were the modern hippies.

brooklyngeorge

#8, not sure about you, but I'm not writing from Iran. When #7 says, "then we would green light that Iranian nuclear strike," he's referring to we Americans, not we Iranians.

GOP

So the Iranians aren't striking because of the ironic t-shirt clad population of NYC? Next...

NannyState

If NYC were infested with nothing but rich Republicans, then we would green light that Iranian nuclear strike with clear consciences. Be careful what you wish for, stupid Republican.

GOP

The cost of living in NY has been high for decades, relative to everywhere else. So these ppl with leases or mortgages knew what they were getting into.

Thanks for your input though. I am a merely Republican trolling the hipster infested Gothamist sites....

JacqueMehoff

I up for lease renewal this year. the 2 yr increase may make me think about cutting some stuff out.

why do I always get my renewals when the approved increases are so high? just my luck.

Spiny

Wow. How do you connect "buying fewer snacks to save money" to "needs to move to Alabama"?

Just so everyone is clear: nothing can FORCE landlords to lower their rents below the market rate, except a lousy market. If landlords can't find tenants who can afford their exorbitant prices, then they'll have to lower their asking prices to attract tenants who can pay. Unless they own units which are part of the existing rent stabilization program -- which also has experienced rent INCREASES rather than decreases lately -- landlords can charge whatever they want as long as there are suckers who are willing to pay.

And of course some people are struggling to pay their rent! The economy didn't suck ass two years ago when they signed their two-year lease agreements. Gee, why do they continue to live in New York? I wonder. They might even have (gasp) mortgages!

Ignore the troll; it knows nothing about capitalism, despite being a Republican.

ganghiscon

#1 - And I don't see anything in this summary suggests that the state/city should adapt to people who are struggling. Rather, as you suggested, they're trying to adapt to the economy by doing things like buying generic and adjusting their budget.

Jen Chung

The poll was conducted for all of NY State.

GOP

Why do these ppl continue to live in NY if they can't afford it? Why should NY adapt to these people rather than these people adapting to the economy. Move to fuckin' bumble fuck Alabama where the COL is 10x less than NYC. Why should landlords be forced to lower their rents below market rate?