Would you work a day or two extra just for more bling?

[Arcadian]

I already work a lot, so when would I have time?

 

[nala]

I voted no, but as a disclaimer, I have to disclose that I already own my heart's desires as far as bling goes. I'm pretty much a minimalist and am crazily bothered by owning things that I don't regularly use/wear/enjoy, so I'm not a collector by nature. The only exception to that is books.

You have probably never seen this movie because it was truly terrible, but several years ago Justin Timberlake and Amanda Siegfried (sp?) starred in the sci-fi "In Time." While the movie was pretty flimsily constructed, the premise struck a chord in me. It depicted a future in which the only currency we trade for goods and services is time - purchases are made by trading minutes/hours/days of your life. It hit me that that's what we're essentially already doing when we buy anything; we're trading moments and hours (and sometimes weeks and months) of our leisure time for objects and services.

I question my bigger ticket luxury purchases more, which really is a good thing. I just ask myself if the item in mind is worth however many weeks or months of work the price would equal. More often than not, the answer is no. I like my job, but I love my leisure time more. If the answer is yes, though, then I know it's something I really want, and then I can buy without worrying about second-guessing it later.

So thanks, Justin Timberlake, for bringing ThriftyBack

I saw this movie too! As a teacher, I have always analyzed my purchases in terms of time, much like you do. Bc we have summers off, it's really an issue for me every summer. I'm a saver by nature, and thankfully have made great choices so that I live very comfortably and have been blessed with good health. Meanwhile, I'm surrounded by other colleagues not as fortunate. Some actually have to work summer school to make ends meet. And some complain bc they need the money, but refuse to work even 3 weeks to help make ends meet. And some are not well enough so they need the summer to rest or to care for ailing family or raise children. So I'm very aware that although I have the luxury of time in the summer, I also have the luxury of choosing how to spend it. So I don't take that for granted. When I trade my time in during the summer, it's because I don't see it as a sacrifice. I see it as an opportunity. I think that's the difference. I will add that as a teacher, we do get 12 weeks off and don't work weekends! Plus, my only daughter is in college, so I have plenty of free time for myself. I guess that what I'm saying is that for me, it depends on my approach to free time.

ETA: one of the issues that I face when it comes to the value of time is retirement age. Do you retire earlier and collect less money? Or do you work longer in life to collect more money? That is a question I haven't figured out yet! That's why I really enjoy reading this thread.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Absolutely. If I wanted some bling and it made me happy then it's a fair trade.

 

[Missy]

I voted no, but as a disclaimer, I have to disclose that I already own my heart's desires as far as bling goes. I'm pretty much a minimalist and am crazily bothered by owning things that I don't regularly use/wear/enjoy, so I'm not a collector by nature. The only exception to that is books.

You have probably never seen this movie because it was truly terrible, but several years ago Justin Timberlake and Amanda Siegfried (sp?) starred in the sci-fi "In Time." While the movie was pretty flimsily constructed, the premise struck a chord in me. It depicted a future in which the only currency we trade for goods and services is time - purchases are made by trading minutes/hours/days of your life. It hit me that that's what we're essentially already doing when we buy anything; we're trading moments and hours (and sometimes weeks and months) of our leisure time for objects and services.

I question my bigger ticket luxury purchases more, which really is a good thing. I just ask myself if the item in mind is worth however many weeks or months of work the price would equal. More often than not, the answer is no. I like my job, but I love my leisure time more. If the answer is yes, though, then I know it's something I really want, and then I can buy without worrying about second-guessing it later.

So thanks, Justin Timberlake, for bringing ThriftyBack

Haha I saw that movie too and loved it despite the flaws. It was an interesting and entertaining movie and in fact both my dh and I enjoyed it.

 

[Missy]

Hi Missy! Interesting question. If it's a job that is stressful and has more negative attributes than good, I don't think it is worth it. Or rather, personally I couldn't handle it as my mental health is something more important to me than acquiring more bling.

However, if you can find a different job (perhaps outside of your current industry) that you enjoy and teaches you something new or allows you to feel challenged etc, then to me it's a win win. You get to make an impact that day but also to save up for bling!

I agree completely. Plus my dh says if I am more relaxed and less stressed and just happier overall leaving work is more than worth any amount of money. I have to agree. And I am usually pretty good at not being bored even when I am not working because let's face it-I have only been working part time now for years.

Thanks for your thoughts PierreBear and everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I love hearing all the different perspectives and see it from all points of view. It does depend wholly on the individual dealing with the issue and it's fascinating how we are all so different yet similar in many ways.

 

[partgypsy]

My disclaimer is if I didn't work, or only worked part-time, I may pick up more work to fund a particular dream project.

 

[CarbonBling]

This made me laugh (why does my emoji have two red 'horns' on the side of it's head? Do y'all see that?!). I have a full-time job x2 - two kiddos under the age of 5! I love every minute of it, and I am thankful that I can stay home with them, but it is the hardest thing I have ever done! The days are long, but the years are short. And if I got paid in bling for this labor of love, then I'd be blingin' to the moon and back.

*weird red 'horns' disappeared when I posted. Haha

 

[mco312]

About a year ago, I took a pay cut at my current job to work less hours. So I would not be willing to work more than I do now (say, over 40 hours) for bling. But if I was retired, I would be willing to work a day or two for bling. It's all about balance

 

[mochiko42]

I saw that movie! We may be the only two. I forgot who was in it, but I remember the plot. I liked the premise.

I saw that movie too!! The theme really resonated with me despite it being a terrible movie.