Got Scolded For Wearing 16610LV Last Weekend

[DCGuy1965]

So I work in finance and deal with consumer protection issues that relate to housing. When the great recession hit I was thrust into a world of seeing people in all kinds of distress and had to adapt as did my employer.

Every now and then I'd be involved in outreach programs in the community where I'd volunteer and try and assist people with their financial affairs be it housing, student debt, etc. very rewarding and definitely emotional at times. I'm a big guy at 6'5 and have had to excuse myself due to the heart strings getting pulled and not letting my ego slip tearing up in front of others.

Last weekend I assisted at a local pantry and without thinking about it I had the LV on. Bad bad idea. About an hour in I was pulled aside by the Director who said there's been a lot of rumbling about me sporting a Rolex in this type of atmosphere. I sure didn't mean to offend anyone but did have to acknowledge my boneheaded lack of judgement

I really don't know why the hell I'm writing about this. Yes it's been nagging at me but we've all heard the expression There but for the grace of God go I. I really enjoy reading these threads and admiring the beautiful timepieces on TRF. I guess this just puts it a better perspective. Oh well thanks for reading.

[tkerrmd]

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

[JohnAndrew]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

+1

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

X2

[Presa canary]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
they should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
that watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
keep up the good fight

+100

[HL65]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

X2

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

Absolutely!

[SoonerTA]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

Exactly! +1

[samsam]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on

They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on

That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed

Keep up the good fight

Well said. I would have said something back to my director, but hey, I'm known to speak back. ROFL.


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[Laszlo]

I have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by laszlo

i have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

x100

[Sunny Arizona]

I work in clinical research and a physician made a comment about me wearing a Rolex and he couldn't afford one. I told him that I don't pay alimony, have a 911 nor ridiculous house payment. He roared with laughter and also added a comment about expensive trophy wives.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Sunny Arizona

I work in clinical research and a physician made a comment about me wearing a Rolex and he couldn't afford one. I told him that I don't pay alimony, have a 911 nor ridiculous house payment. He roared with laughter and also added a comment about expensive trophy wives.

Good one!

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

[melons]

Good on you for helping out folks that need it.

[Shikar]

I am proud of what you do.
No Rolex on this planet can match that !!

Regards.


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[anothernewphone]

The idea of "sporting" a watch is pretty ridiculous to me. Who notices that kind of thing if you're not a watch guy? If someone is coming to my aid, I don't care if they're wearing three gold chains and pulling up in a Benz.

[Mystro]

Exactly. I would have told the guy to pound sand. This is the problem with these hypersensitive people that use their position as a free ticket to pass advise and judgment. It has become very popular in shaming people that don't conform to their own personal values. They stand on their own selfless pious pulpit and preach their message of shame, self loathing and inequality. Its rude and shouldn't be dismissed as being socially acceptable. You should actually be commended for keeping people working by spending your money which trickles down into jobs. You are fighting homeless on both fronts.

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

The idea of "sporting" a watch is pretty ridiculous to me. Who notices that kind of thing if you're not a watch guy? If someone is coming to my aid, I don't care if they're wearing three gold chains and pulling up in a Benz.

[DWF]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Exactly. I would have told the guy to pound sand. This is the problem with these hypersensitive people that use their position as a free ticket to pass advise and judgment. It has become very popular in shaming people that don't conform to their own personal values. They stand on their own selfless pious pulpit and preach their message of shame, self loathing and inequality. Its rude and shouldn't be dismissed as being socially acceptable. You should actually be commended for keeping people working by spending your money which trickles down into jobs. You are fighting homeless on both fronts.

Precisely--and well put. And, fueled by the Occupy/1% dogma.

[Dan Pierce]

Rumblings about a watch while going out of your way to help others?

Seems like the Director should have talked to the "rumblers" rather than you, IMHO.

You've already taken the high road by helping others. Good for you, keep at it, and wear any damn watch you want while doing it.
dP

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rumblings about a watch while going out of your way to help others?

Seems like the Director should have talked to the "rumblers" rather than you, IMHO.

You've already taken the high road by helping others. Good for you, keep at it, and wear any damn watch you want while doing it.
dP

X2!

[E70x5]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rumblings about a watch while going out of your way to help others?

Seems like the Director should have talked to the "rumblers" rather than you, IMHO.

You've already taken the high road by helping others. Good for you, keep at it, and wear any damn watch you want while doing it.
dP

x 2

[RC2]

Your actions are what counts. Thanks for helping.

[Wllnv19]

Maybe it was the Director who was bothered and no one else. Who else would care what you wore you went to help out good for you!

[Roy7]

Your director may have some merit in what he said. Some less fortunate people while thankful for your work, still see the waste with a watch worth more than their 6-month earnings.

Think of it this way - you can't afford 1 dollar for a McDouble, yet you see someone with so much excess that they are wearing a piece of jewelry worth 8,000 - that's a crap load of McDoubles.

I was in a similar situation. I work in an emergency department, and just one day of wearing my 16613 I felt a little embarrassed. People can't eat, and cant afford medications. I don't have to rub my good fortune in their faces.

There are a thousand reasons why "it doesn't matter what you wear", etc, etc, but at the end of the day if one person feels bad, one person grumbles, why not wear the G-Shock? Wont hurt you.

[BBQ BOY]

Originally Posted by Roy7

Your director may have some merit in what he said. Some less fortunate people while thankful for your work, still see the waste with a watch worth more than their 6-month earnings.

Think of it this way - you can't afford 1 dollar for a McDouble, yet you see someone with so much excess that they are wearing a piece of jewelry worth 8,000 - that's a crap load of McDoubles.

I was in a similar situation. I work in an emergency department, and just one day of wearing my 16613 I felt a little embarrassed. People can't eat, and cant afford medications. I don't have to rub my good fortune in their faces.

There are a thousand reasons why "it doesn't matter what you wear", etc, etc, but at the end of the day if one person feels bad, one person grumbles, why not wear the G-Shock? Wont hurt you.

So should he ride the bus where he volunteers so that he won't offend those who may be jealous that he can afford to drive a car? Most of us don't need a car, nor do we need the house we live in. You can't live your life by what other less fortunate people think because many of those less fortunate are there because of their own choices in life. I understand what you are saying at the same time, but I do not care for the spread the wealth mentality and I'm not saying you are saying that.

OP- I am in civic clubs and volunteer in homeless shelters(many handicap and mentally ill) and at an orphan relief. I have come across the scum of the earth but have come across some fine people as well. I feel that those fine people are appreciative that I'm there donating my time, food and conversation. They find more value in the quality of time and experience that we share more so than whats on my wrist. I don't wear mine often, not because of grumbling, but because I don't want to get mugged. That may sound incentive, but the truth hurts and I do not sugar coat words. Keep up the good fight and do what you can but only you can decide whats right in your situation and environment. If you feel its incentive, then don't wear it.

[Roy7]

Originally Posted by BBQ BOY

I understand what you are saying at the same time, but I do not care for the spread the wealth mentality and I'm not saying you are saying that.

You hit the nail on the head. You can only go so far for others. My reasoning for not wearing your sub is that switching out a watch is a very very simple gesture that involves no true change in anything.

I'm definitely not saying spread the wealth. You've worked hard for your money and deserve to spend it how you see fit.

I'm not saying anyone should feel obligated to do anything - lord knows, people may "grumble", but they'll still be thankful for the care you're giving.

To the OP, you have no reason to feel bad about what happened - everyone is thankful for your time, and the fact that you're wearing an expensive watch lends more value to the time you are giving.

Next time, keep it at home if you want to avoid the chance of making one person feel bad.

[waQstar]

Originally Posted by BBQ BOY

So should he ride the bus where he volunteers so that he won't offend those who may be jealous that he can afford to drive a car? Most of us don't need a car, nor do we need the house we live in. You can't live your life by what other less fortunate people think because many of those less fortunate are there because of their own choices in life. I understand what you are saying at the same time, but I do not care for the spread the wealth mentality and I'm not saying you are saying that.

OP- I am in civic clubs and volunteer in homeless shelters(many handicap and mentally ill) and at an orphan relief. I have come across the scum of the earth but have come across some fine people as well. I feel that those fine people are appreciative that I'm there donating my time, food and conversation. They find more value in the quality of time and experience that we share more so than whats on my wrist. I don't wear mine often, not because of grumbling, but because I don't want to get mugged. That may sound incentive, but the truth hurts and I do not sugar coat words. Keep up the good fight and do what you can but only you can decide whats right in your situation and environment. If you feel its incentive, then don't wear it.

Very well said and my sentiments exactly...

[DCgator]

Your point has merits. Related, the OP didn't even think about what watch he wore nor the effect it would have on anyone, whether co-workers or those he was serving to help.

To the OP - good on you. Continue to do the good you are doing to help those who need help.

Originally Posted by Roy7

Your director may have some merit in what he said. Some less fortunate people while thankful for your work, still see the waste with a watch worth more than their 6-month earnings.

Think of it this way - you can't afford 1 dollar for a McDouble, yet you see someone with so much excess that they are wearing a piece of jewelry worth 8,000 - that's a crap load of McDoubles.

I was in a similar situation. I work in an emergency department, and just one day of wearing my 16613 I felt a little embarrassed. People can't eat, and cant afford medications. I don't have to rub my good fortune in their faces.

There are a thousand reasons why "it doesn't matter what you wear", etc, etc, but at the end of the day if one person feels bad, one person grumbles, why not wear the G-Shock? Wont hurt you.

[Baco Noir]

The disappointment in your own judgement says a lot about your character. You care enough to help and to feel badly that your choice could have affected those you were there to help.

Take is as a lessons learned and move on.