I feel guilty...

I recently got done selling my 20D and EFS glass and just bought a 5DII Kit and 16-35L, and perhaps will add a prime before it's all over.

I budgeted and saved for these purchases. I am debt free. I am saving for my retirement. I give to charity. I am unmarried, no kids, and no plans to have kids (GF of five years is on the same page). My job as of today is secure and should be through the end of the year at least. We are planning projects into 2011, but of course these days you never know.

But I feel guilty that in the past two weeks I've dropped $5K on my hobby. Meanwhile, the news gets worse and worse. The bad news everywhere is like a nagging white noise that is only getting louder in volume by the day. I am getting calls, both at home and at work, from charities, etc. begging for a dime. In the back of my mind I wonder if the person on the end of the line will have a job next week if he/she doesn't score a donation from me...from somebody.

I just wanted to vent. Does anyone share these feelings?

In the mean time, my hobby is here to stay.

Giving is just one part of living your life, supporting your hobby is another part. So just be cool about, why give if your heart is not set on it.

Also think that everytime you choose to spend your money, you still help the economy recover even if its a miniscule effect.

Maybe next time make a budget of how much you are willing to donate as well...or better yet, use your hobby to help charities...

If it makes you feel better take photos sans pay for charitable organizations or civic groups. It will assuage your feelings of guilt and will make you a better photographer! There must be some worthy group that could use your skills?

I've also been struggling with this, and I've concluded that I'm going to use my equipment to take photos for family and friends - that way I can spread the joy of it and not feel as guilty.

Mikerosal has some great advice in using it to help charities! I'm working on that too. Do you have any ideas of where I could start?

Money is useless unless you spend it. That's my moto in life and I put it to good use.

I see where you're coming from cause the thought has crossed my mind as every time I decide to indulge a bit, but look at it this way. If you work hard, treat people (not just your friends) well, are kind, and enjoy your life, I don't see any harm in treating yourself every now and then to something you will enjoy. Yes, I know the money could be spent better elsewhere, but then why am I working? :P

If you ever "need" the money, you can always sell your gear and you'll only be out a couple hundred bucks. Couple hundred bucks=enjoyment, sounds like a good deal.

On the other note, be careful with some charities, as they share phone and mailing solicitation lists . I'm not saying you shouldn't give to your favorite charities, but don't let it get you down.....photography=h​appiness...IMHO

Actually, it is ok to something good for yourself once.

I simply refuse to let any external issue or opinion ever make me feel guilty for enjoying the fruits of my own labors.

My gain is not due in any way to anyone else's loss...

cscoopnj10 wrote in post #10462882
On the other note, be careful with some charities, as they share phone and mailing solicitation lists .

this is off-topic, but I feel like it makes the most sense to donate anonymously. I've given money to some new (for me) charities after the earthquake at Haiti and the amount of mail I get from them now is ridiculous...

I hate to tell you OP that the news has always been bad. If you watch any news it is always bad. If it is not one thing it is another.

Enjoy your camera.

You budgeted, saved, and suffered for the last few months or whatever time it took to save up. Enjoy your reward now

SchnellerGT wrote in post #10461882
I recently got done selling my 20D and EFS glass and just bought a 5DII Kit and 16-35L, and perhaps will add a prime before it's all over.

I budgeted and saved for these purchases. I am debt free. I am saving for my retirement. I give to charity. I am unmarried, no kids, and no plans to have kids (GF of five years is on the same page). My job as of today is secure and should be through the end of the year at least. We are planning projects into 2011, but of course these days you never know.

But I feel guilty that in the past two weeks I've dropped $5K on my hobby. Meanwhile, the news gets worse and worse. The bad news everywhere is like a nagging white noise that is only getting louder in volume by the day. I am getting calls, both at home and at work, from charities, etc. begging for a dime. In the back of my mind I wonder if the person on the end of the line will have a job next week if he/she doesn't score a donation from me...from somebody.

I just wanted to vent. Does anyone share these feelings?

In the mean time, my hobby is here to stay.

How about this. Use your hobby to benefit a charity. There are lots of ways to do so. If you shoot portraits donate a session for a silent auction, if you do landscapes, frame one for a silent auction. Offer to shoot stuff at an event like special olympics, or do portraits of cancer victims before they lose their hair (and sense of identity) to chemotherapy. Assuage your guilt by doing something good. Doesnt take much time, just tailor it to your ability and your schedule.

And if it'll make you feel any better, I've spent more than you in the last few months on this hobby! I got over the guilt pretty quickly. It's pretty much the only thing I do for *me* and I do a lot for others like you.

I've worked for a quite large non-profit organization before, and know what it is like to donate, get solicited over and over again, and feel guilty for spending money on something else. But think about the other side of it: you can help some people, but there are millions who do not, who have never donated a dollar to a homeless person. So you're on the right track, you are doing something good, but don't forget about yourself. You're a wise-enough man to know that you can donate some portion of your income, but do not give away everything.
Love yourself, and love others.
Peace...