How are you able to afford Hermes bags?

[papertiger]

Just to remind everyone that this thread is 12 years old from OP to this message.

Take part in the poll if you like, but be advised the OP may have evaluated how people afford their Hermes.

 

[tbestes]

Thank you for posting this, I also thought you may have been trying to be mean, it's so hard to tell the way people say things on the internet and it scares me being new and posting threads. I really wasn't trying to be intrusive though I was trying to be as general as possible

And thank you so much everyone for all of your advice, it's nice to see the numbers in the poll, but I truly got a lot from each and everyone one of you!!

The main reasons I wanted to ask this question was:
1) well I'm curious.
2) I wanted to see if there are any successful artists out there.
3) I wanted to know how many of you followed your dreams and had to struggle to get where you are and afford what you can now, or did you find something you liked (and maybe wasn't your dream) and that has the lifestyle that you would like (as far as maybe stability, money, free time, etc.) and choose from there? And I ask this because I've always been the kind of person who believed strongly in my dreams, but as I've grown up the past couple of years, as my mom's implemented in me that money is everything and love can be learned (which I will never believe) and as I've seen the economy crash, I have to admit that it has somewhat influenced me and made me think more practically and realistically in terms of finding a job because I think most of us can't find our completely dream job that has every single thing that we want. I don't know if that makes sense, but I mean there's always something you have to sacrifice, like if I wanted to be an artist I would be following my dream and enjoying myself but at the same time I might have to struggle, my job may not be stable, I may have to move around a lot, vs. if I was something like being a pediatrician, which is a job that I would like but it wouldn't be exactly my dream job, but it would be stable, it will always be in demand, I will probably make enough money to at least support myself, etc.

It makes it so much harder for me to decide what to be with the economy in the state that it is, with so many people losing their jobs, and not being able to support themselves or their family anymore, the only thing that's on my mind is a finding stable, always in demand job. :s

I am a commercial artist (graphic designer) and have been working for myself fulltime since 2002. I love my job and my clients, and like knowing that my reward is in direct proportion to the effort I put in. When the economy is good, I live on overflow work of busy marketing/advertising departments. When the economy is bad, I'm doing the work for companies that don't have enough in-house staff to get the necessities done. I am grateful to still be working as much as I am when everyone is cutting back - but I do not take it for granted by any means. I also don't know that there is a truly "recession proof" job.

I think the people who will survive this economy best are those who are creative in their approach, and looking for opportunities to provide relevant products/services as people's needs and desires change in this rapidly changing economic climate.

 

[lilpicotin]

The main reasons I wanted to ask this question was:
1) well I'm curious.
2) I wanted to see if there are any successful artists out there.
3) I wanted to know how many of you followed your dreams and had to struggle to get where you are and afford what you can now, or did you find something you liked (and maybe wasn't your dream) and that has the lifestyle that you would like (as far as maybe stability, money, free time, etc.) and choose from there? And I ask this because I've always been the kind of person who believed strongly in my dreams, but as I've grown up the past couple of years, as my mom's implemented in me that money is everything and love can be learned (which I will never believe) and as I've seen the economy crash, I have to admit that it has somewhat influenced me and made me think more practically and realistically in terms of finding a job because I think most of us can't find our completely dream job that has every single thing that we want. I don't know if that makes sense, but I mean there's always something you have to sacrifice, like if I wanted to be an artist I would be following my dream and enjoying myself but at the same time I might have to struggle, my job may not be stable, I may have to move around a lot, vs. if I was something like being a pediatrician, which is a job that I would like but it wouldn't be exactly my dream job, but it would be stable, it will always be in demand, I will probably make enough money to at least support myself, etc.

It makes it so much harder for me to decide what to be with the economy in the state that it is, with so many people losing their jobs, and not being able to support themselves or their family anymore, the only thing that's on my mind is a finding stable, always in demand job. :s

littlepea, I love your question, and your thread. Hermes prices are so sky-high that it almost seems reflexive that their customers MUST have figured out "the" career that assures career stability. And I'm older than you, but I still struggle with the dilemma of either following my dream or seeking financial stability. I don't have an answer really, except that at the end of the day, I'm not productive unless I'm happy - and what tbestes said - be creative about achieving your financial goals.

There have been a lot of wise and beautiful words from the other posters & I won't repeat them - but I do think that, as common-sensical as those words may appear at first glance, they are really worth sitting down with and meditating on to see how they can be actually applied.

 

[sac-a-main]

LP,
Good questions! Career choice is soooo difficult, so don't fret; it's a process and takes time. Some of the advice on previous posts is gold; no reason to guild the lily.

Wanted to comment on what your Mom said. I think she's trying to protect you by emphasizing the importance of a stable career/income. Also, that love takes time and is patient; not impulsive; it grows with time. The exact words I've used may not have been identical to your Mom's, but I believe she is trying to guide you in this way. And, as you have seen, even in this very forum, sometimes words fail. Trust your Mom. She has your best interest in mind. Obviously, she has raised a good thinker in you!

I gather that you would like to go into the art business, but are concerned that it might be a paltry living. Wise to consider this.

My sister is an artist (painter). She does not make a good living. She does not buy luxury items. She does not care a poop. She manages to scrape out life's basic necessities w/ some charity from relatives and the few things she can sell. She is happy.

If you really want to be an artist, you have to love it more than a comfy lifestyle. You have to live for your art. You have to work very hard and practice every minute you're awake. To be successful, it's 99% perspiration; 1% inspiration. (e.g., Trace the path of Picasso, in terms of sheer volume of sketches, renderings--hard work, from realism as a teenager, to cubism later on. How long did that take? 20-30 years?)

===> So really, it all depends on what you know you can/cannot live without. Also depends on what gifts/talents you were born with.

Think about those things, vis a vis, your 1st career choice. If they align, lucky you!!! If not, re-explore other areas that you are really good at. What classes in school did you excel at? What types of puzzles/problems were you most intrigued with? Explore these areas further, as you will discover your gifts/talents, and that will make you happy, or should I say, fulfilled? I don't know. You try it and let us know!

Keep an open mind. Work very hard. Know thyself, to quote that 'ole Greek guy. You never know how life will surprise you!

Wishing you all the wonderful surprises, yet to be discovered : )

I wanted to know how many of you followed your dreams
and afford what you can now,
...as my mom's implemented in me that money is everything and love can be learned
... the only thing that's on my mind is a finding stable, always in demand job. :s

 

[howardu09]

littlepea- I have read some valuable responses so I won't add any advice. But, I do want to share http://www.collegeconfidential.com with you. It has helped me tremendously in my life and career path and I hope that you can find something useful there too.

-Mitchell

 

[pyrexia]

No I don't own a Hermes.

I also wanted to mention that while I asked about how you can afford fancy things, I really wanted to know how you are able to make enough money to be able to not worry and have money left over to buy those types of things in general. Bags, accessories and material goods are important to me, but they are far from the most important things in my life. My main goal in life is to first and for most be happy, have love in my life, be able to support myself/not have to worry about money so much, obtain knowledge and intelligence, to be able to make wonderful memories, and see the world/travel.

I say you are on the right track with those goals
I understand your fears perfectly well... it is a very fine line between passion and practicality, especially in these economic times.

I believe what your Mom is telling you about getting a stable income, career is to impose upon you that it is not worth it to flit from one job to another but rather to have a goal in life and stick to it. After all, they say jack of all trades but master of none. Better to be the jack of one trade and a master at it too.

 

[880]

Little Pea, I'm a lawyer, and artist and writing a cookbook. As others have said, do what you love and the rest will follow. In this economy, I also find that broadening where/how you purchase anything helps you get what you want for your comfort level: for example, I have a very good relationship with my personal trainer and have bartered some catering for personal training (saves dough for H and other things); I've also traded some chanel for some H with friends (am too afraid to sell on ebay although that might change); I have benefitted greatly from the recommended reseller listings and tpf wisdom; and I also cultivate my SAs at H and elsewhere. From 1985-last year, I never really considered anything beyond H scarves, so I am a very new collector, but I have to say the wait has made me appreciate and cherish what I have now (8 bags, 7 GMs, and various cadenas, charms, bracelets) Good Luck, it is a wonderful journey!

 

[thimp]

Wow, what wonderful advices!! I have very little to add. I think very, very few of us can say we never have to worry about money. Regardless of how much we have, 5 cents or 5 million, there will always be concerns about money. It's a fact of life. I think all you can do is work hard, be patient and prudent, and take care of the ppl you love. In the end, it's the ppl around us that makes us happy, not luxury items.

 

[sw0pp]

Wow, what wonderful advices!! I have very little to add. I think very, very few of us can say we never have to worry about money. Regardless of how much we have, 5 cents or 5 million, there will always be concerns about money. It's a fact of life. I think all you can do is work hard, be patient and prudent, and take care of the ppl you love. In the end, it's the ppl around us that makes us happy, not luxury items.

yes, see the wealth dynasties with billions. the kids are sueing parents and vice versa just for money. money before family, even if you don't have to worry from an ordinary persons' view because you have your trust fund you never know whom to trust (friends or golddigger), they might just be after your money. even your own family...

 

[littleblackbag]

You know if I was 18 again, I'd study hard and then follow my dreams. The world is your oyster. I envy you a little bit and at the same time I wouldn't be 18 again for all the world.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do

 

[ken-doll]

yes, see the wealth dynasties with billions. the kids are sueing parents and vice versa just for money. money before family, even if you don't have to worry from an ordinary persons' view because you have your trust fund you never know whom to trust (friends or golddigger), they might just be after your money. even your own family...

unfortunately you can't get a birkin bringing a family to H stores. They either want cash or credit card for payment

 

[littlepea]

LP,
Good questions! Career choice is soooo difficult, so don't fret; it's a process and takes time. Some of the advice on previous posts is gold; no reason to guild the lily.

Wanted to comment on what your Mom said. I think she's trying to protect you by emphasizing the importance of a stable career/income. Also, that love takes time and is patient; not impulsive; it grows with time. The exact words I've used may not have been identical to your Mom's, but I believe she is trying to guide you in this way. And, as you have seen, even in this very forum, sometimes words fail. Trust your Mom. She has your best interest in mind. Obviously, she has raised a good thinker in you!

I gather that you would like to go into the art business, but are concerned that it might be a paltry living. Wise to consider this.

My sister is an artist (painter). She does not make a good living. She does not buy luxury items. She does not care a poop. She manages to scrape out life's basic necessities w/ some charity from relatives and the few things she can sell. She is happy.

If you really want to be an artist, you have to love it more than a comfy lifestyle. You have to live for your art. You have to work very hard and practice every minute you're awake. To be successful, it's 99% perspiration; 1% inspiration. (e.g., Trace the path of Picasso, in terms of sheer volume of sketches, renderings--hard work, from realism as a teenager, to cubism later on. How long did that take? 20-30 years?)

===> So really, it all depends on what you know you can/cannot live without. Also depends on what gifts/talents you were born with.

Think about those things, vis a vis, your 1st career choice. If they align, lucky you!!! If not, re-explore other areas that you are really good at. What classes in school did you excel at? What types of puzzles/problems were you most intrigued with? Explore these areas further, as you will discover your gifts/talents, and that will make you happy, or should I say, fulfilled? I don't know. You try it and let us know!

Keep an open mind. Work very hard. Know thyself, to quote that 'ole Greek guy. You never know how life will surprise you!

Wishing you all the wonderful surprises, yet to be discovered : )

I know my mom wants the best for me and everything, but it's difficult sometimes to understand her, I just wish she doesn't say things the way she does sometimes and instead just says I want to protect you or something, Idk. Whenever I talk to her about being an artist she never seems proud, but you should have seen her face when I said I was thinking of becoming a doctor/nurse and when she says love can be learned she says it when she's taking about me marrying a doctor or a rich man, like you can learn to love them and if you marry someone who doesn't have money your love will fade. I don't want to do that, I want to be in love with the person I'm married to and if he happens to be rich that's just a bonus.

The thing is I don't know if I have enough drive and love for being an artist that it will way out the cons of being one. I'm just happy I'm going to a community college and not a 4-year college yet because I can try things out before choosing a career and a college to transfer to. The one thing I've ever really been passionate about was photography, but my passion disappeared in the past year so I'm taking a photo class now to see if I still love it, but I don't like it as much as I thought I did. I also am taking a personal shopper/styling class and I'm finding that it's really not something I want to do. *sigh* Art is so hard and emotional for me because I'm a perfectionist but I never feel good enough, it's like wow there's so many amazing artists out there already, why would they want me? I compare myself too much to others when it comes to art. Tbestes do you ever feel that way as an artist?

Idk, I'm so confused. Right now I'm thinking maybe I'll do something like be a nurse in a childrens hospital or a pediatrician because I love kids and I love helping people so it would be quite rewarding, and just do art as a hobby instead. It just sucks though because I can't try those types of classes out like my photo and fashion classes. I would just have to go for it completely and hope for the best.

Thank you Howardu09 I've been trying to find a website like that because I'm also having trouble picking which college to transfer to. decisions decisions.

I don't know why you have to make all of these decisions at a young age when you don't even really know yourself enough yet haha.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to help me, I truly appreciate it.

 

[ken-doll]

littlepea first you need to research well on career subject. (fashion designer, painter, photographer, etc.) are artistic careers but will not make you an artist. Fashion designer fall under "designer" category which is different than "artist" category. Painter, yes. Photographer, possibly.

And yes, this thread seems to be getting further and further away from Hermes. You will be better answered on the career thread

 

[littlepea]

Photography is an art. Fashion design, while it may fall under the "designer" category, is an art and could fall under the "art" category as well, that's why both photography and fashion design as well as other fashion careers such as fashion merchandising are taught at ART schools like The Academy of Art or the Art Institutes. Fashion design requires artistic skills like being able to draw, construct things with your hands, have an artistic eye, etc.

Well since this thread seems to be getting further and further away from Hermes, let me bring it back. Those of you who are working in the Medical Field, does your career allow you to first be able to support yourself (because I want to be able to support myself without the help of a spouse or anyone) and second does it allow you to after supporting yourself have money left over for Hermes and other luxury items and money to travel after that?

 

[gga]

A medical career is an insane amount of work and sacrifice. It takes huge dedication and a healthy dose of OCD to get through the training. Being a nurse really isn't tons easier than being a doctor.

 

[marietouchet]

It would be interesting to have a category labeled

I don't afford Hermes bags, but was curious how others do it