I'm much more likely to open my wallet and let go of some of my money if I get a lead on a job. I don't even have to have an interview lined up yet; if I know that the possibility is there, I'm more willing to spend money.
Not good, definitely something I need to be aware of.
A couple weeks ago I went for coffee with a couple guys at company that would be needing help soon. We met at the Starbucks near their office and talked for about an hour. I expected to buy a drink while I was there, but when I got there I decided to get a pastry as well.
Was I hungry? Yes.
Did I actually need it? No.
Did I actually have a pay check in hand? Again, no, but the anticipation was there.
I was doing much better at not spending money before that, so what gives? Well, I was excited at the possibility of finding work again. It was like a little pre-emptive celebration. I've noticed that popping up elsewhere as well. When my financial situation appears to be improving, even if the actual improvement isn't in hand yet, my grip on my wallet loosens up.
Obviously this will be a problem if it gets out of hand. I have to focus on how my mental state is affecting my finances, because they're obviously quite strongly linked. For better or for worse.
Has anyone else noticed this with their spending?
6 comments:
I think sometimes it's your mind's way of dealing with the crappiness of not having a job. And maybe a little stress relief too, even if it doesn't necessarily feel like that.
Been there!
That has happened to me both when anticipating getting a new job or even when I feel like I've been doing a good job with my finances for a while. Time for a treat! Argh!
We are all working on finding our "triggers" and how to get the best of them rather than them getting the best of us.
Last time I was out of work I carried around Special K bars since I knew I would be hanging around in coffee shops for most of the day before and after interviews that I would be tempted to get a snack. So the bar would carry me over until I got home to have a real meal. Maybe find something you know you can snack on when the temptation hits.
Good Luck! :)
I did that when I started applying for paid internships. I knew I would get at least one, so I went shopping.
Bad idea. They don't pay much!
Oh yes, I have jumped the gun, so to speak, with spending. The last time I did it was just before I started my job and I went shopping to celebrate my new career. I haven't done it since then though, especially since I've started blogging and budgeting.
I think acknowledging that you have a tendency for anticipatory spending will help you in the future keep a tight grip on your wallet :)
Oooh, I so know what you're talking about. I've done it quite a number of times over the past few months while looking for a job. Asher says it's my counting the chickens before they hatch mentality. Good thing is the things that I'm lusting for are quite high end items so I will have to have a job firmly in my hand before I can buy them so that helps.
This is definitely a counting chickens before they hatch issue!
I think I'm going to pick up some Vector or Luna bars for my bag. That would cut down on the munchie spending!
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