WFH = Where’s Fucking Home?

One of my fave things about the pandemic is not having to schlepp into the city for work.

When we were sent home in early March, I absolutely became a little lonely like everyone else, but it gave me time to really ruminate on my lifestyle. In particular, living in an inner-city suburb.

Working from home means we’re no longer necessarily tied to living near the city. So, if you’ve been doing the WFH thang from your inner-city suburb, have you asked yourself, “without a daily commute, do I need to stay where I am?”

My buddy, Sam Westly (33), recently made the move from gorgeous, city-adjacent Lizzie Bay to Bondi where he lives with two womens and quite an attractive gay guy who’s English. I went out to visit him a week or so ago and it certainly did seem like a fantastic option; the streets are quieter; the air is sweeter and there are fewer homeless on the street.

While Sam and his ESL friend, Miguel (30), were running an errand, I called them to ask about this change of scenery (Miguel had also recently moved to Bondi from Potts Point).

How has it affected your social life?

SAM: I’ve found I need to be more selective with things I go to. Most of the crew are still in the bubble, so there are fewer incidental catch-ups and spontaneous gatherings. It definitely requires more planning, but as summer comes, I think that will reverse because people will be spending more time in Bondi.

Are there psychological benefits?

SAM: I love being able to take a break from things to go for a swim. You’re not living on top of other people and you don’t run into them as you’re leaving you place every day, which feels good.

I like having the freedom to sit on the knoll and watch the sunset, go for a quick swim etc.

Physical benefits?

SAM: I’ve moved from Fitness First in Kings Cross to Bondi Junction, which means I cycle there now. I swim more, and the fit Bondi men keep me pretty motivated, cusping on anorexic.

What do you miss the most?

SAM: The people. The ease with which you can catch up with mates, go to the gym, and visit my parents [who are on the North Shore]. And Rocketboy Pizza.

MIGUEL: Being close to people. Having the train close. Being close to the supermarket. In Bondi, you need to be more organised.

What do you miss the least?

BOTH: The people.

SAM: And running into Miguel’s exes/ the people he’s slept with.

Finally, what’s the Grindr grid like in Bondi compared to the inner city?

SAM: Doesn’t compare in terms of diversity. There aren’t as many “tribes.”

MIGUEL: Yeah. There are five people, and I know four of them.

Like a bad break up, there are definitely two sides to this. So I decided to call up my other buddy, Anthony (28). He recently moved from the outer suburbs to the bubble (Darlo) where he lives with Hot Toddy and the Hungarian. I asked him some similar questions.

How has moving to the bubble affected your social life?

Ahaha well I think you already know the answer... it’s become an ever-expanding circle. Between meeting people from parties, through friends and the gym, it’s almost impossible to not have your social life become much more hectic. I lived in the suburbs I’d be lucky to have one thing on during the week.

Is it too much?

The social life? Umm yes and no. I really like meeting new people, but it has come at the detriment to some of my already existing friendships. Obviously, you want to meet new people and balancing that with everything else I have going on it doesn’t leave much free time in a week. So yes, I do love it, but it’s taxing.

What’s the Grindr grid like in the bubble vs where you’re from?

Ahhhhh… I can scroll as far as the app lets me here and I’ll still be within the 1km radius. Back home after about 5 people I was already 5km away.

What about the types of torsos you see?

The Grindr aesthetic is the same everywhere you go. Everyone is a faceless torso and no one posts a torso unless they are ripped. That’s gay Sydney, not just gay bubble.

Are there any psychological benefits to living in the bubble?

I would say just being part of such a gay friendly community. As lame as it sounds, I genuinely felt very “at home” when I first moved here and walked around under the rainbow flag in Taylor square. It’s great to be able to walk everywhere and not drive. It’s great to be able to meet and see new friends so easily and last minute without having to plan things. So yes. Definitely.

But also, more dramas and crossing wires than I’m used to.

Do you like to cause a bit of drama?

No, I genuinely hate causing drama. If I find myself in the middle of something, it’s 9/10 unintentional.

Are there any physical benefits of living in the bubble?

Umm, well I live close the gym so I go much more often. I also go to the gym for much longer sessions. I tend walk most places now as everything is so close, and because I have more to do, I’m walking around more.

What do you miss the most about the suburbs?

It’s definitely much quieter. I used to live by the water, both growing up and when I moved out the first time.

Being near the water was something I’d always thought I’d be doing. It was always nice to be able to de-stress and chill out by the water.

I don’t really have a quiet place to unwind anymore.

Aaaaaand what do you miss the least?

Always trying to get plans together and finding something to do. Here it all just lines up so much easier.

There you have it. I’d say this is far too individual of a choice to offer a general ‘case closed’ comment like, “it’s time to exit the bubble.” But, it was interesting hearing their thoughts on the subject.

If you’d like to add something, drop us a note.

UPDATE: I went to Bondi again recently, and Sam made an interesting comment about how his perspective on dating has changed since being out of the bubble… So, expect some waffle about that soon.