The Rooftop Pod Birthday sadness and friend groups are for rich people
Nov 11, 2025
Jesse and Rachel share the chaos of missing a Daniel Caesar pop-up concert, driven by work stress and FOMO. They debate the unfairness of events favoring the unemployed and discuss the unique dynamics of friendships in NYC, complicated by high costs. As Jesse reflects on turning 30, they divulge their birthday discomfort and feelings of sadness during celebrations. Their conversation also dives into the challenges of balancing work-life satisfaction, financial realities in New York, and the joy of community finds like vegan baking.
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Missed Pop‑Up Concert And FOMO
- Jesse and Rachel waited hours in Prospect Park for a Daniel Caesar pop-up that was announced for noon but happened at 6 p.m. and many employed fans couldn't attend.
- They felt frustrated and experienced FOMO because the weekday timing and last-minute changes excluded working people.
Friend Groups Are Costly In NYC
- Rachel observes New York friendships skew toward one-on-one hangouts because hosting groups is costly and space-constrained.
- She connects friend-group decline to high rents and small apartments that force socializing into paid third spaces.
Proactively Create Group Opportunities
- When building a social life in a costly city, create opportunities by hosting where possible or planning group events to overcome friction.
- Use neighborhood ties and events to lower activation energy for friend-group formation.