Rotating bags at a new job; how soon is too soon?!

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you're obviously not a petty person
on the other hand, your comment that you wonder why some of the staff doesn't buy a nicer bag shows that you do notice
In my (maybe paranoid) mind, there is the possibility that with some bosses (or owner's wives, etc) if they are into fashion and a staff member "outdoes" them, they could think something like "she doesn't really need the money from this job"
If they are competitive, it could annoy them

On the flip side, I'm sure there are people who are petty enough to see an expensive bag (or even just more than one bag) and think, "So that's where her paycheck goes," or some such jealousy-fueled nastiness.

I've never experienced anything like that in the workplace, but I also think that my co-workers have no clue about bags other than Coach and Dooney and those are probably way out of their price range. (I'm a low-paid teacher, and many of my co-workers are in strict financial situations, even if they're married.)

@swezfamily-

I think you've been VERY lucky to not have to deal with weirdness and cattiness about your bags. Also it seems like you are a very genuine and kind person who takes people at face value and sees the best in everyone. That is actually rare and if you've been appreciated for being that way then you should definitely count your blessings in this.

I'd love to say that it shouldn't matter, do what you want, who cares? But the reality is, in work situations, what other people think really can effect how well you end up doing there and how long you get to stay. If one person, (ie the bosses wife) takes offense by something seemingly unimportant to the world at large, but very important to that one person, she can set about making your life a misery and not rest until you are driven out of there. I know this from personal experience. Luckily I don't have to deal with this now as a SAHM, but if I ever do go back to work, I've vowed to play it very low key until I have a really good idea of who is who and who runs what and who is the alpha female etc.

It's unfortunately, one of those status things that shouldn't matter, but does matter.


I guess I have been very fortunate to not have any catty, jealous people in my life, neither personally nor proffessionally. I"m a SAHM now, but if I ever do end up back in the workforce, maybe I should play it a little safer than I have in the past, or at least wait to get to know my boss/co-workers better before parading all of my bags in front of them.

Since joining tPF, it has been eye opening to read on here all of the negative reactions people have had to their bags, and even more shocking, how some tPF members judge other tPF members for the brands they choose to carry. I've always chosen my bags for me and never really thought other people would pay much attention other than to notice I have a pretty new bag and compliment me on it.

OP - Good luck in deciding what to do. Wish I could have better advice to give you, but lots of the members here seem to have great advice. If you worked for my husband, I would wish you to have all of the beautiful handbags that your money could buy! ;)
 
I guess I have been very fortunate to not have any catty, jealous people in my life, neither personally nor proffessionally. I"m a SAHM now, but if I ever do end up back in the workforce, maybe I should play it a little safer than I have in the past, or at least wait to get to know my boss/co-workers better before parading all of my bags in front of them.

Since joining tPF, it has been eye opening to read on here all of the negative reactions people have had to their bags, and even more shocking, how some tPF members judge other tPF members for the brands they choose to carry. I've always chosen my bags for me and never really thought other people would pay much attention other than to notice I have a pretty new bag and compliment me on it.

OP - Good luck in deciding what to do. Wish I could have better advice to give you, but lots of the members here seem to have great advice. If you worked for my husband, I would wish you to have all of the beautiful handbags that your money could buy! ;)

I can tell you are a lovely person! Whenever I do have to go back to work I can only hope and pray that it's for someone like you!!
 
I know this can be a problem sometimes, so I would suggest starting out with one neutral bag that meets all your needs and stick to that one for at least a month or two. I think a lot of people change out bags once a month or so, I know I did that for years. Maybe later when you all get to know each other, you can relax a little on this.

:goodpost:

I think it's wise to err on the side of caution at a job.
 
Agree that conservative and slow is the way to go, but you said:
"I think it's good that the one coworker carries a coach bag, probably means they won't mind so much and appreciate better bags! "

Maybe feel her out for the situation.
 
Thanks again, everyone!

There was an interesting bit of news that I learned today; one of the male admins I work w admitted that he has a "thing for shoes!" :roflmfO: :lolots:

Omg, I totally wanted to say, YEAH! I have a thing for bags, looollll! He started to school me on the benefits of keeping the leather soles on shoes and having a cobbler replace the soles w same when they get old instead of resolving them w another sturdier material! Hahahaha!!!!
 
Yup! It's so nice to be in a beautiful office where people make an effort to look good! I hope that means that there'll be better wage reviews in place, and I can get on to making some real money toute suite!
 
I've heard lots of "whispers" behind my back about the shoes and bag that I carried, not that I have anything fancy or outrageously expensive, they're just classic pieces that I have, and like to use on daily basis, but female coworkers are quite "competitive" at my job. So I've been using my Longchamp shoulder bag for months now, but once in awhile, someone would say "oh it's such a nice bag" and that's about it. I personally don't really care who's wearing what, but obviously, some people do.
 
I have all designer bags. None are really in your face with the names splashed everywhere style. I find those quite tacky. My bags carry detail(s) and show good workmanship. In the grand scheme of things, your bag is just an extra representation of yourself! :) so don't listen or worry about that!!!
 
I totally get you :) I had lots of stares when I brought my LV never full damier on my first week at work. It's easy to get judged as materialistic because you carry a high-end brand purse. But I feel that you can't hide for long! If you carry it at a later period, they might think you used your new salary to get the bag haha. So just carry what you want, people talk all the time anyway :)
 
aoife.ruth said:
If you carry it at a later period, they might think you used your new salary to get the bag haha. So just carry what you want, people talk all the time anyway :)

Hahaha!!!! Yesss!!! :bagslap: That's so true!!!

Omg, one of the higher ups got a pair of stiletto pumps off zappos delivered to the workplace Friday! Black patent w silver bottoms and spike heels! I think I'm not alone in this place... :party:
 
Even if I have Hermes or Valentino or Coach I do not think it is an issue to rotate my bags... It is no o e business what I do and what I wear or how often I Change. You do not second guess wearing different outfits why is this different?

You love your bags and you should wear them with pride..
 
COACH ADDICT said:
It is no o e business what I do and what I wear or how often I Change. You do not second guess wearing different outfits why is this different?

You love your bags and you should wear them with pride..

Thank u! Yup, ita that bag are accessories, like shoes and different shirts!

Last week, I wore two bags to the job, the second being a large reversible leather tote. One side is black; one side is sparkly glitter! Probably looks like two bags to the untrained eye!

At least I really like the two bags I've been carrying, and I won't feel too bad about playing cool for a little while longer. Though maybe its better to get them out now, since the bosses are out for another 1.5 weeks! And THEN I'll have to play it :cool:!!!
 
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