Last-Train Anxiety Is a Planning Problem

Hey — a longer note on Last-Train Anxiety Is a Planning Problem, as if you were moving onto my street next month.

Don't optimize this like a spreadsheet in week one. Get a workable version first. Polish after you've seen your real overtime pattern.

My blunt tip: Pin the gate, not the building blob.

Also: One transfer max is a lifestyle choice.

Please don't keep falling into treating Didi as destiny. I've watched that one burn weekends and goodwill.

When you're here, you'll notice a compound gate Didi pin. Let that be your reminder this is a living city, not a packing list.

If you only do three things

• Decide a default you can repeat tired
• Write the Chinese names / pins / chats somewhere searchable
• Revisit in thirty days — not every evening

The useful details show up in ordinary weather: rain, overtime, and the week you don't feel like being a high-functioning expat.

When in doubt, choose the option closer to home. Travel friction compounds quietly.

If it only works when you're energetic and the weather is perfect, it doesn't work.

Write me (or anyone further along) after you've tried one real version. Adjustments are easier with scars than with theory.

— someone a few mistakes ahead