Finance and blue collar judgmental conversations at work
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Anonymous
| So much judgment at my work about people who don’t do 401k, or take 401k loans, don’t own a house, don’t save for retirement. I’m fine with saying that those things are good, but I’m sick of the judgement. And “I would expect that from blue collar workers”. I’m so fed up. And I’m sure you’ve guessed, I don’t own my home, took out a 401k loan, and my husband is in construction. It’s hurtful, but I’m embarrassed to point it out. It’s a good example of watching how you speak- you don’t know the situation of all of the people around you. |
Anonymous
| Thanks OP for this important reminder and sorry to hear you have to deal with this. |
Anonymous
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I am sorry OP.
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Anonymous
| Why is taking out a 401k loan derided as “blue collar” move? |
Anonymous
| we don't know anyone else's situation, and we should not judge. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this interaction. Stay true to yourself, OP. |
Anonymous
| Why are you talking about this stuff with your coworkers? Stop doing that. |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
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Kindly remind them there's a whole world out there who will never be as perfect as they are, and without these blue collar workers, they wouldn't have people to look down on and make them feel superior. Us commoners can only dream of equalling their highness.
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Anonymous
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I've never in 25 years had a job that offered a 401k or any benefit other than food. Can you imagine reading all those finance books that go on and on how to save money in retirement accounts and get the match.
I wanted to buy a 400 sq foot studio and the mortgage broker asked if I was going to get a salaried job soon. I tried to explain why I wouldn't but my explanation wasn't good enough. I didn't qualify for the mortgage even though I have 780+ credit score, $200k in brokerage and had down payment. So, not only is there judgment, but there are real roadblocks on our way if I don't have what they say you should have - salaried job on my case. |
Anonymous
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Ooh, I would have a field day saying loud and clear to these people:
"My husband is in construction. Do you think blue collar workers are less intelligent?" Watch them squirm. |
Anonymous
| What is the context of these conversations OP? |
Anonymous
| There’s so much judgment around poor people and this weird assumption that everyone is in the same UMC boat at my workplace as well. I grew up UMC but was working class for a long time - have been on welfare, was uninsured for a long time, etc. This is just so outside of the norm for so many. I just don’t get the judgment. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I work closely with payroll and these conversations come up but I don’t participate. As far as 401k loans- the criticism was that it’s part of not living within your means to which they say would be expected from blue collar workers. |
Anonymous
| People make rude comments about everything. |
Anonymous
| OP, if it makes you feel any better, I work in a white-collar profession and aparently plenty of my colleagues have 401k loans. |