My Introduction to Consumerism

I remember the year 1988 – I had moved away for the first time to live at the University of British Columbia. I’ll never forget how I showed up with a single cardboard box and one small bag of clothing. It was there, I received my first major lesson in consumerism.

YOUNG AND IMPRESSIONABLE
I didn’t realize how few things I had until I walked around I started meeting all the new people. They had bags of stuff – reams of clothing, tons of shoes … I couldn’t believe it! I had never seen so outfits – shirts and pants for different events. Let’s just say, I used to wear the same old things regardless of the social occasion.

Now, don’t get me wrong, as a child of the 80’s, I certainly watched TV and was bombarded constantly with the images of toys I ‘had to have’. But, it wasn’t until I left the safety of home and was surrounded by my peers 24 hrs a day, that I began to realize my ‘shortcomings’.

I took at look my own closet and I literally had 3 shirts hanging there. I realized pretty quickly that I needed to ‘step it up’ with regards to my image. Coincidentally, the credit card companies were offering a special Student Visa which I gladly sign up for …

There I was, surrounded by constant reminders that I wasn’t good enough or didn’t have enough and then I received my first credit card!

And so began my cycle of shopping, overspending and putting it on credit - I had to get over the feeling of not measuring up! I think I literally always had balances on my credit cards for years.

20 YEARS LATER
Flash forward more than 20 years … are things still the same?

Thankfully, I haven’t carried a credit card balance in over 5 years. I must admit, I do have a bit of a balance on my line of credit but I have been constantly traveling the past 3 years.

I sold my condo 4 yrs ago and decided I wanted to travel before I got too old. I’ve been to New York and New Jersey over ten times! What the hell, you only live once and I’m glad I did it. Frugal living is fine but if you’re missing out on experiences, I don’t believe it’s worth it.

A (SOMETIMES) CONTINUAL STRUGGLE
Let’s face it, I like to have a good time. But, I realize that I will have to cut down for 2009.

So, I’ve basically learned my lesson since 1988, but like anyone, I have relapses and still can’t resist buying stuff or going out.

I’m only human, after all.

Photo credit: dno1967

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