also, maybe this is just me, but I really don't want to hang out with most of the people who can afford to blow $18k on a club membership. Not my people.
Normally I would agree.
However, belonging has been useful for my husband, not just because he loves golf, but because he can sweet-talk people into becoming clients of his company. This would've been useful for me, too, had I remained at a large law firm.
Our club is actually getting younger and more diverse, and we feel good about being a part of that.
In a heartbeat. Growing up we were a part of our neighborhood's country club and I'm still friends with a lot of the kids. We played tennis together, swam in the summers, had sleepovers at the club... some of my best memories growing up were there. Not to mention they have the best chicken nuggets and chicken fried steak EVER!
In a heartbeat, as long as there are no strings (I'm shameless, though. It's a GIFT, and I'd accept any gift, as long as there are no strings attached).
I suppose it depends on the monthly fees, though. Can you afford those?
Is this also a social club? Can you eat there, etc.? Host parties there? Is there space for your kids to just run around? Like, you could show up in the morning, play all day, have your meals there, and leave in the afternoon?
also, maybe this is just me, but I really don't want to hang out with most of the people who can afford to blow $18k on a club membership. Not my people.
Yeah. Too late. That ship sailed when we chose to move here for the schools. I'm finding some of the "not my people" surprisingly friendly and okay with my target jeans lifestyle.
Sonrisa, if the terms and conditions are ones you can handle, then absolutely!
I've only had the benefits of dating someone that belonged to a club for a short time and the amenities and things available to him and future kids were amazing.
I interpreted her update as saying her mom isn't living within her financial means for the long term. She came into a sum of money that she should be saving, not blowing on a club membership.
Or maybe I'm just projecting, lol.
She's sort of living within her means, but close to the edge given the longevity in her family. Luckily her house is now worth a lot so she can cash that in down the line. I just expect every penny to be spent by the time she gets to her dotage.
Networking wise, DH does want higher functioning, better able to pay clients for his side private practice. Local referrals would be a good thing (his day job is public sector, mostly unemployed clients).
I guess I'm a bit sensitive about the "not my people" comment.
I mean.
We belong to a club, so that makes us "those people."
Frankly, I like us, so...I guess they are "my people," and I'd hope that others wouldn't think that we are "not their people."
ITA with this. We belong to a club as well. It's a very standard thing in our area and while there may be a few snooty assholes, the majority of the people who belong are wonderful.
I guess I'm a bit sensitive about the "not my people" comment.
I mean.
We belong to a club, so that makes us "those people."
Frankly, I like us, so...I guess they are "my people," and I'd hope that others wouldn't think that we are "not their people."
I loved the people at the country clubs I worked at in college. They gave us bartenders and cart girls jobs at their companies. And life advice. And took shots with us. And were generally happy people (a day of playing golf on a beautiful beachfront course can do that for you). It was fun waiting on them when I was 20. I can imagine it would be more fun on the other side of the dinner table/bar. LOL.
I really do want to join one day. There is a smaller semi private club that I worked at that is much cheaper and has a much younger demographic (35-45 age range mostly) and the pool and course are awesome. My plan is to belong at least to that one by the time I am 30 as we will be done paying for daycare and suddenly have $2k more a month to play with.
AND business deals really do happen at the country club. All the time. This would be good for my H too.
My Inlaws belong to a much older one, but it is nice.
I guess I'm a bit sensitive about the "not my people" comment.
I mean.
We belong to a club, so that makes us "those people."
Frankly, I like us, so...I guess they are "my people," and I'd hope that others wouldn't think that we are "not their people."
"My people" are usually strident liberal nerds. "Not my people" are all these pretty socialites married to hedge fund guys. Some even vote republican. And yet they don't mind my vocal near socialist tendencies and aren't embarrassed to be seen with my no makeup, cheap clothes and cellulite ;-)
Of course I would. I see no reason not to. It will be good networking for you too. And you never know what contacts you'll make for your children. I wouldn't think twice about it. Look at it as an early inheritance. Why would you not?
ETA: I am dying to join the Jonathan club (country club with beach access) and only lack of knowledge about whether this is my forever home is standing in my way. Even reading your update about your mom's finances, I would do it. It is almost presumptuous to tell her no; she knows her finances and has made it this far in life, she can decide this.
Post by birdistheword on Mar 11, 2014 12:11:32 GMT -5
I would absolutely accept it, as long as we could swing the monthly fees. We were members of a country club growing up and it was a blast going there almost every day in the summers. I remember they had the best steak fries at the pool, lol. If my parents were offering, I would assume it was not a financial hardship for them. It would probably be a moot point, though, because my H would likely never let us accept it :/
ETA: I will also say that my parents are the type to give gifts with no strings attached, so I wouldn't have to worry about that aspect. If my parents were different people, I might hesitate.
I would absolutely accept it, as long as we could swing the monthly fees. We were members of a country club growing up and it was a blast going there almost every day in the summers. I remember they had the best steak fries at the pool, lol. If my parents were offering, I would assume it was not a financial hardship for them. It would probably be a moot point, though, because my H would likely never let us accept it :/
I really don't get the bolded. Or maybe it's the word "let" that's annoying me. If your parents were offering a gift, that they could afford, with no strings attached, why would your husband say no? Or why would he get the final say on a gift from your parents?
Do you like the club, do you want to spend time there? Yes. Then absolutely, yes. My parents have a very non-snobby club and it is a great place to go. Their are a whole lot of hassles that disappear when you are a member, instead of a guest of a member. I live 400 miles away and would absolutely join if closer, and affordable. Your mother doesn't owe you $18K, but if she wants to spend $18K on *this* and only this - that's fine, its her money. And she gets the benefit of your company and autonomy as a member.
Also, it might be worth considering that the opportunity to join is not always available. Our club had had many years of wait lists and the initiation fee may only get steeper. The "timing" may be good right now, and your mom may be considering that in her gift.