Yeah so additional fun facts: a number of years ago during the last economic downturn the bank decided to only provide raises the following JULY as a "special" cost cutting measure. So it's EOY, you do your review process with your manager. They tell you what your raise will be 7... Months.... From now.

They left this in effect for years. They finally stopped like 2 years ago and started giving us raises in March. Now this 401k fuckery.

It's basically whether or not you have access to input/approve financial transactions (wires mostly).

Also, if I recall correctly they did increase starting vacation to 3-4 weeks a few years ago so I don't think people in sensitive positions have to use full vacation all at once anymore.

Other fuckery mentioned mostly still checks out.

Moving here from another state that does not bother with local tax reconciliation, I was so confused why I had to report my income to a THIRD entity. It is so dumb.

That's weird. Legally I was always told the curb is a part of the roadway, and therefore should be the responsibility of the municipality. I see there's PA documents that speak about curb/sidewalk as interchangeable and homeowners responsibility. Our concrete guy would NOT touch our curb in Pittsburgh when he repaired the sidewalk. So.. Now I'm lost.

Yup, if you're living close to the T and/or active bus routes you can survive. I have friends who haven't had a car in 20 years. They do use Zipcar on occasion, like if they want to do a Costco run. Uber is also available if on occasion you need to get somewhere not on the public transit routes, though obviously I wouldn't suggest that as a way to get to a regular stop like work or groceries.

Go grab some pop from the basement fridge.