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by HeyLaughingBoy 4882 days ago
My experience is a bit different. After working as a software engineer and suddenly (yes, it was sudden) realizing that I could afford most of the things I had ever wanted, I just didn't want them any more.

I don't find that I want more expensive things, instead I just lost interest in most material objects. Being able to lend/give (I never expected the loan would be repaid) a friend of a friend $3,000 to avoid foreclosure gave me infinitely more satisfaction than anything I could have spent that money on.

Even now, years later, it still amazes me that I simply don't want stuff I don't need. Well, for the most part, anyway :-)
2 comments
nickconfer 4881 days ago
All good points. I can remember being broke as a college student downloading music I didn't even want, and today I only buy music and rarely at that. Once you can afford something, I think many of us take a step back and then ask, "do I really want/need this?". I find I have this exercise not just because it is less exciting to have something you can easily own, but also because owning things has a physical cost. Time to research and buy, maintain, and store.

I'm not rich by any means, but as I've made more and more money, just like you, I've found giving to be infinitely more satisfying than spending on myself.

Truthfully, part of it is just the shocked expression someone can have when doing something that makes them feel special. Another part of it is the "do good" feeling, and the appreciation I have that I'm lucky enough to have the ability to do these things. Hard work means a lot, but I don't kid myself, I could have grown up in a position where my chance of success from child to adult was much lower.

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autotravis 4881 days ago
You just described me exactly. I could see how I might have been enticed to just buy bigger and better things as my income increased, but somehow I went the same direction you did. And I feel I could not be happier.

I would much rather live simply and have my few things (laptop, camera, smartphone) and be able to help others with my excess funds.

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