I'll also state again that I want to make sure these comments remain civil. Right now, they are a little judge-y for my taste, and not the kind of community I'm looking to build at The Purse. Just because you don't relate to a person's experience, doesn't mean they don't have the right to share it. And if you don't like, no one is forcin…
I'll also state again that I want to make sure these comments remain civil. Right now, they are a little judge-y for my taste, and not the kind of community I'm looking to build at The Purse. Just because you don't relate to a person's experience, doesn't mean they don't have the right to share it. And if you don't like, no one is forcing you to read it!
I think the OP is pretty self-aware of her privilege, but I also appreciate that she shares her anxieties and fears—that's part of what makes this such a compelling read IMO. Many people think that making a lot of money will guarantee that we feel secure, but bigger salaries and expensive homes come with their own set of challenges.
I insist, OP has no "privilege" and should not be made guilty for getting a high salary. She was not "gifted" it and don't find it magically appearing on her nightstand every morning. She works and she EARNS it.
Having been involved NYC corporate world myself, I have an idea what it takes to get to the top. It's not just being very good in your profession. You have to be super-determined, super-skilled in people relations, super-organized, design your strategy and tactics, and most importantly, bring tremendous value to your chosen company. Bravo, OP
I guess you just interpret the word "privilege" differently; it's an advantage. Being able-bodied, being free of significant emotional or cognitive impairment, having had access to a certain type of education, being raised in a stable household and/or to functional parents, being able to live in a city with a wide variety of employment and cultural opportunities, even being (yes) male and conventionally attractive... all privileges. Nothing to feel "guilt" over, but certainly ones I recognize others don't have and that (whether they "should" or not) make my life somewhat easier in many ways.
All this is not privilege, it's a roll of a dice. Which might change any minute - education and even decades of work experience will not protect one from a sudden layoff; health is not a permanent constant; city life becomes too dangerous to sustain; attractiveness...you get my drift. Memento mori, and carpe diem. You feel compassion for people on the downside of Fortune's Wheel - then help them, but you have nothing to feel guilty about for not being there yourself.
Besides, all these advantages, as you see them (I do not, necessarily) are not the topic here. All negative commenters in the threads respond to OP family's high monthly income and how they manage their budget. They see it as an unearned privilege. It is not.
I'm thrilled to find your newsletter- I'm hoping people in the comments here are a little kinder than on R29! It's honestly such a gift to be given a window into someone's personal finances in this way.
Yeah exactly - if I got anything out of reading this, it would be one more reason why making more money really doesn’t fix the problem of a feeling of insecurity. Astounding but true
I'll also state again that I want to make sure these comments remain civil. Right now, they are a little judge-y for my taste, and not the kind of community I'm looking to build at The Purse. Just because you don't relate to a person's experience, doesn't mean they don't have the right to share it. And if you don't like, no one is forcing you to read it!
I think the OP is pretty self-aware of her privilege, but I also appreciate that she shares her anxieties and fears—that's part of what makes this such a compelling read IMO. Many people think that making a lot of money will guarantee that we feel secure, but bigger salaries and expensive homes come with their own set of challenges.
Here's that word again.
I insist, OP has no "privilege" and should not be made guilty for getting a high salary. She was not "gifted" it and don't find it magically appearing on her nightstand every morning. She works and she EARNS it.
Having been involved NYC corporate world myself, I have an idea what it takes to get to the top. It's not just being very good in your profession. You have to be super-determined, super-skilled in people relations, super-organized, design your strategy and tactics, and most importantly, bring tremendous value to your chosen company. Bravo, OP
I guess you just interpret the word "privilege" differently; it's an advantage. Being able-bodied, being free of significant emotional or cognitive impairment, having had access to a certain type of education, being raised in a stable household and/or to functional parents, being able to live in a city with a wide variety of employment and cultural opportunities, even being (yes) male and conventionally attractive... all privileges. Nothing to feel "guilt" over, but certainly ones I recognize others don't have and that (whether they "should" or not) make my life somewhat easier in many ways.
All this is not privilege, it's a roll of a dice. Which might change any minute - education and even decades of work experience will not protect one from a sudden layoff; health is not a permanent constant; city life becomes too dangerous to sustain; attractiveness...you get my drift. Memento mori, and carpe diem. You feel compassion for people on the downside of Fortune's Wheel - then help them, but you have nothing to feel guilty about for not being there yourself.
Besides, all these advantages, as you see them (I do not, necessarily) are not the topic here. All negative commenters in the threads respond to OP family's high monthly income and how they manage their budget. They see it as an unearned privilege. It is not.
Not gifted...but was given a large chunk of money for a down payment. Ok.
But what’s the problem if she was gifted that money? Good for her.
Reading comprehension 101. Pls read again what I've written:
"salary. She was not "gifted" it"
I'm thrilled to find your newsletter- I'm hoping people in the comments here are a little kinder than on R29! It's honestly such a gift to be given a window into someone's personal finances in this way.
Yeah exactly - if I got anything out of reading this, it would be one more reason why making more money really doesn’t fix the problem of a feeling of insecurity. Astounding but true