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!
