Should I take the plunge? - YouLookFab Forum

First off, I haven't been on the forum in weeks! There's a great reason, though... I got a promotion at work My company acquired another company, and there were opportunities to move up. So I put myself out there, and now I run a gym. From receptionist to boss in a matter a few days has been crazy, and made me super busy! Things have evened out, and I just got my first paycheck I'm making almost 4 times what I was before, so my disposable income has greatly increased. Thus my dilemma.

I've been lusting after these boots for a little while now: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....6JHR5PVKH1 , but I'm not sure if I should hit the "buy" button. They fit every requirement for a beautiful pair of brown boots, and they're on sale, but I'm still hesitant to pull the trigger. Why? Well, before the big promotion, I couldn't have afforded these. At least not without saving up. And they can't be worn at work, which is where I spend 55 hours of my week. But I do *love* feeling good about myself, and these boots would fit perfectly into my casual wardrobe...

I guess it's a guilt thing. I know I worked hard for the job I have now, but I still don't feel like I deserve to treat myself. Am I just running myself around in circles? Are there more questions I should ask myself? Help!

14 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

I say yes, pull the trigger! Consider it a gift to yourself for your hardwork. One little treat doesn't turn you into an automatic spendthrift : )

MsMary

Yes! I agree -- consider it a prize for the promotion!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Congratulations on your promotion! That's worth celebrating, so why not get the boots you've been lusting after? Of course you deserve to treat yourself. To your point that they can't be worn at work: your work is not your life. If you can afford the boots without putting yourself in debt, going hungry, or into eviction, claim them and enjoy wearing them! Don't have another doubt. They are a great-looking pair.

Fruitful

Congratulations on your promotion!

Has the former tight budget left you in debt, or in any way feeling the boots will put you behind financially? Or is it just a weird feeling that you're used to being careful, so buying something not "sensible" might open the floodgates and fritter away the extra money you have without anything to show for it?

If the latter, that's a smart conversation to have with yourself. But once you've had it, you might conclude these boots aren't a waste of money. Maybe you could nominate some boundaries around rewarding yourself for your new job (like number of things to treat yourself with, or period of time, or a dollar figure to work with) and fit within that.

As long as you're paying your bills and saving a fair proportion of your money to put towards your goals, you don't need to feel scared about spending. If it's guilt, then regularly contributing a portion of your income towards helping others is a really good thing to do (or even if you don't feel guilty!).

I think if the boots work out for you they'd be a lovely celebration and a lasting, practical, happy reminder of a high point in your life's journey.

Amy

(website)

Fruitful is smart. I would echo what she said.

Congrats on the promotion!

Jem

I think Fruitful's advice is great! Go with that. Congratulations on the promotion!!

Classically Casual

Keep the Key - It's important for women to learn to celebrate the significant achievements in their lives and to be "self basting". It's sort of against our natures to do that, but we need to do it. Several years ago I bought myself a gold bracelet when I rec'd a significant promotion. That bracelet will be special to me for the rest of my life.
Earlier, I would have waited around for someone else (my fairy godmother??) to gift me with something...It's empowering to do it for ourselves....Enjoy your boots!!

stringy

Fruitful is so right. And Firecracker is right too - work is not life, even if you enjoy your job. It's just not the whole you.

If the boots are a smart buy, then they're a smart buy whether you save up for them or blow your first paypacket on them See if you can figure out the cost per wear - if it's low, then I really think you should get them.

KeepTheKey

Active Member

Okay ladies, I did it! I took what everyone said to heart and realized that these boots are a smart purchase. I don't have any debt, and buying these boots will not keep me from paying rent and bills, or saving money. In fact, I'm on track to save 10k by the end of 2012!

The cost per wear will be low for sure, and brown boots will add so much more variety to my wardrobe

I guess I was worried about 'opening the floodgates", as Fruitful said. Once I gave this purchase a little more thought I realized that with an automatic savings plan, and a budget all set up, I don't have much to worry about.

Thanks to everyone for enabling me in a productive and helpful way!

Next up: Styling help!

yankeebelle

Congrats on the new career & the boots! You deserve them!

goldenpig

Congrats on the promotion! You deserve the boots, can't wait to see them on you!

taylor

Congrates on your promotion!
Glad you got these...you deserve them...get over any guilt, you work hard!

Julie

If they are comfortable on your feet, then buy!!! I have a pair of these boots and just love them!! You say you can't wear them at work, which takes up 55 hours. That still leaves 113 hours!! Wear them to and from work. Wear them when going out, shopping, etc. I can think of lots of places to wear those. Wear them around the house.

Now you can shop for jeans and say, " I need these to go with my boots." A real no-brainer, kid.

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