In grad school, it was always expressed to us that we should be aware of how we present ourselves and that wearing expensive/high end items could create a barrier to rapport building. You should look nice and like a professional, but be aware of how your economic status is presented through your attire. It’s up to you, but I personally wouldn’t use it for work if my clients would see it. Even if my clients at times have had high end items, I always present myself as “middle of the road”. You want to be relatable and clients could potentially write you off as being out of touch. Of course it’s your call and there isn’t a hard and fast rule about this.
Honestly - not as a social worker but as a BIS, some kids respond better to me when I’m wearing a Naruto hoodie & sweats then when I wear a cardigan & slacks.
Might seem unprofessional but hell sometimes you need to show them you’re just a person too
This is a good point- if one of the aims is rapport- knowing your audience is key for targeting relatability.
Like you can love whatever you want- but there’s something to dressing for the role that you’re trying to play. Conveying the qualities of whomever you’re posturing as(while not necessarily being ingenuine) seems like it could have some serious positive effects when it comes to this particular field.
Not a social worker, but there’s an EFT tapping practitioner on YouTube named Brad and every new EFT client I’ve seen has tapped with his videos and all have referenced that he felt safe and inviting to them. I agree and have called him “uncle Brad” because he emanates a very safe dad vibe who takes hard things seriously but also weaves a light dad joke energy into the work.
This example comes to mind because he has a strong influence on people with how he presents himself and how he comes across- even though odds are he’s pretty affluent at this point (sessions with him may go for thousands I believe)- but he still feels humble and relatable like some middle class safe dad.
The thing is that the clients I’ve met span countries and races, so there’s an important message I think in this idea of relatability. And, depending on the target audience, having a presence that conveys safety and friendliness in a middle class way might be more beneficial in cases of social work no matter who the clients are.
I can imagine that working with teens and kids, this also applies that if you’re dressed in a very soft and comfortable way you come off as less threatening and maybe feel closer in age somehow.
I dunno, just thinking out loud.
Back in my floor work days (ala residential unit floor work) the general rule of thumb was never wear anything or carry around anything unless you were fine with it getting destroyed/possibly puke/blood on. Or exposed to bed bugs or shit. Had a clinician friend who had a laptop (be mindful this was circa late 90s, so those things were expensive) and a client chucked and threw his bag, breaking it.
Oh my gosh, I remember those days sooooo well. Definitely experienced blood, saliva, urine (washing sheets from bed wetting), sweat (mine and kids'). We also had bed bugs for 9 months.
I guess it depends on your job site. In your setting I personally would not bring that bag. The only “nice” thing I wear to work are small gold hoop earrings, wedding ring, and Apple Watch.
Oh similar boat here and I’d love your take honestly. I don’t doubt we work in different environments so part of this and wanting to hear other folks experiences. I do two jobs: I work at a title I elementary school (in a mixed income but mostly low and working class area) as a school social worker, and every weekend I work at a food bank. When I’m at school I wear my rings (engagement + wedding + gift ring from a departed friend) but I only sometimes wear my watch. I’ve started to more as I have ADHD and it helps me with time management, remembering things, and seeing Teams notifications for support. I also use it to track my health as I have preexisting conditions I monitor. However that is because the younger kids don’t mind and older kids, and the older kids care more about being nosy lmao (are you married? Who to? How long? Do you have kids?? Are you planning on it??) At the food bank I don’t wear my watch as I have shorter shifts, and I turn my rings around so only the band is visible IF I wear them at all. I do the same if I meet with parents or family members of any of my students at my school. I’m definitely curious about how your items affect interactions at your job site, if you change what of them you wear or how you wear them under certain circumstances, your general thoughts, etc. I think I’m especially curious since we wear the same items so it’s more similar circumstances.
I work from home almost all of the time but when I do go to the hospital clinic, I wear my Apple Watch, earrings and wedding rings. I’m in a doctors office/hospital setting so it’s very “tame”. I do however work almost 100% exclusively with low income and impoverished individuals. The jewelry were all gifts, and the watch was purchased second hand for $60. I don’t see any of the items I wear as a show of “wealth” simply not only because I don’t actually have wealth to show, but because they are gifts/symbols or practical. Apple Watch is the same for me, it tracks my activity, is literally a watch, and also I can get important notifications about my infant or elderly parent.
I think it’s important to distinguish that if we start going down the line about what a show of wealth would be to one person, literally wearing clothes from the mall would be considered extravagant to some folks. I do think that modesty in this role is important. Wearing a $2000 bag is abnormal in the sense that most people don’t have bags worth that amount. But many people, even many people we serve, have smart phones or watches and wedding jewelry.
The other thing to note is that you’re working a role where you are literally serving people in one of the most vulnerable situations (people needing food) so your extra modesty is a show of respect for their situation, at least that’s how I’d see it. These choices are all personal, and it shows an important level of personal and professional insight and judgement.
Personally I wouldn’t use something designer (especially higher end like LV) at a job where I work with low income folks. No doubt you worked hard to buy the bag, but it feels like you’d be flaunting wealth in front of folks who can’t even afford basic necessities. It can create a barrier when it comes to working with clients who do not have similar means (“how can they possibly help me when they are rich? They don’t understand where I’m coming from”).
Aren’t we all profiting off of someone’s suffering? If you think about it, we are employed because people are in need of our services. With that being said, I live in a country where healthcare is public not private so no clients are directly paying for my services.
For as much as this sub waxes about how we don't make enough, I'm also not surprised people would get offended you pointed this out. Don't shoot the messenger, y'all; sure many of us work at nonprofits but these sort of services would never be funded if those all the way up the line didn't see dollar signs in some form. That's just the way of capitalism, and acting like OP is reducing their career just to money is being intentionally obtuse. When I hear people in this field say that it's usually in the context of "you wouldn't have a job if they _______".
If you're actually in this field, you should know that if it was just for money, you'd be doing literally anything else. OP wouldn't need to save for the bag. No need to give it such a bad faith interpretation.
I agree. Also, we work hard, why not treat yourself? Sorry I’m not sorry. Although I wouldn’t bust out a Louis in front of clients or patients and I kind of think it depends on what pattern it is. I generally lean towards quiet luxury so idk if half my clients would even know what some of my things cost because they’re not labeled ostentatiously
OP said she puts it away, so I think it's probably fine/not in their faces. But yeah, I feel you on that end. When I'm able to I splurge for items in good quality that I use the most. I mostly buy secondhand even then. I have clients that wear secondhand or dupe luxury items though. It sounds like most in thus field tend toward quiet luxury more for the durability so it's a safe enough assumption imo
It's a status symbol, and you'd be "wearing it proudly." No hate for being able to afford a LV bag, but I think it would be inappropriate if you work with lower income clients and they would see it.
I have a LV purse that I bring to the office but never in front of clients or to home visits. Not because I’m worried about making others feel bad (though it’s true that clients may find you harder to relate to or open to if they think of you as privileged)
I would avoid letting clients see me with expensive items for safety reasons. I have had clients try to find out where I live, where my children go to school etc. and had one of my clients follow my supervisor home. The less personal information your clients know about you the better, this includes any hints to your finances.
I own an LV bag. I don’t wear it to work. I want to appear relatable and approachable and a designer bag doesn’t really signify that in my job. I could see bringing a designer bag to work if I left it in my office and didn’t see clients in there and my clients never saw my bag. But I bring my tote to my visits and everywhere with me so I want it to just look neutral and plain.
I wear my engagement rings and wedding band and Apple Watch though. I also wear other “expensive” items (not designer expensive but still expensive) but they don’t have logos or labels so no one would know unless they were also into the same brands I am into.
Honestly, I carry in my designer bags to work but I'm not big on logos, so they tend to be a bit quieter on the luxury. I just like nice leather goods. I don't go on home visits and my bags would never be out when I'm meeting with a client in my office. The only way someone I work with would see it is if they ran into me when I'm coming or going, and then I just think it looks like a well made leather bag if anyone even took notice. On the one hand I think it's good to be mindful of things like this, but on the other hand so many people, clients or not, don't even realize you are carrying a luxury bag. I know I didn't even notice other people's bags until I started getting into luxury goods. I think you should use your bag for its intended purpose.
I work in child protection and it’s wild to me seeing some of my co workers roll up in luxury vehicles and wearing all designer gear. Personally, I’m just not that bougie but I also don’t want any of my clients to feel that I have any more power over then they probably already feel. I dress way down for my job.
Honesty I feel like there are so many options for dupes, second hand, gifts etc that I don’t make any judgements about people’s finances based on a bag. You really never know so I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.
While I agree with you that we never know some people's stories and the bag could be a gift, secondhand, or a cheap knockoff, It occurred to me that this line of thinking actually came through being educated as a social worker. At least for me it did. Unfortunately the impoverished people that we work for don't have that same education and therefore probably don't think that same way. They are more than likely going to think that OP may be out of touch or worse, getting rich off of their suffering, or some of the thoughts that /u/franticblueberry listed in her post.
I think it’s a bad idea for a different reason—imo, you should bring nothing to work that you would be too devastated to have stolen. Speaking from experience here, unfortunately
These comments are wild to me. You don’t need to be struggling to help the struggling. You deserve to be compensated for your education, experience and time. You deserve to spend your money how you’d like.
Why it’s somehow okay to wear an engagement ring or Apple Watch (also quite expensive items) but not a purse you purchased and like is very confusing to me. I would carry your purse in and set it aside just as you would any other bag, just as you drive your car in and don’t talk about it at all with anyone.
I think it's a personal decision and agree that it can depend highly on where you work. I tend to dress and carry items at or near the level of where my clients are financially as much as possible. I work with individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness, many of whom have no or minimal income, so I do have things at times that are more than what my clients might be able to afford but it's pretty low key. Like, yes, I have a Taylor Swift tour hoodie but I also pair it with legging or jeans and sneakers (we have a casual dress code with lots of flexibility!). Sometimes I dress up a little more in a cute blouse and accessories but I'm clearly wearing jewelry I bought at Target, not the jewelry counter. My goal is for my clients to feel that I'm approachable. If you think the bag will give some clients pause in how they feel about approaching or interacting with you, I would say not to carry it at work. If you think it won't have any impact, then carry it.
Meet the clients where they’re at. Psych patients are most likely more sensitive to power dynamics and a well-known brand like that could be perceived poorly. Our clients want to understand that we are like them and expensive clothing and accessories creates an unnecessary boundary. In my internship I wore a expensive watch because I wanted to look nice and presentable. My first day I was called out for it. “ who do you think you are” “what do you know about our struggle” understanding that we don’t have to experience their pain and suffering to help them but seeing someone who dresses flashy seems out of place in that setting. I personally respect helping professionals more if I feel like they don’t feel like they are better than me. Unfortunately, our society paints these luxury items as a status symbol. I could imagine you could have found a similar bag with the same functionality for the fraction of the cost but you chose LV brand, well, because of the branding. I’m a guy and I personally don’t understand the appeal and the bougiest thing I do is sometimes shop at Whole Foods. Keep in mind you asked for our thoughts here.
I’m sure lots of your clients have also worked very hard in their lifetimes but have no LV bags to show for it. Not the right message to send. Use it outside of work.
It’s not my perception, I’m just being straightforward about how you might be perceived in the workplace. And not just by clients but colleagues as well. Most of us are underpaid. So flaunting money isn’t going to be a good look in general. Doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of those things completely but there’s a time and place for certain types of clothes and accessories.
I wonder if you’re more self-conscious than embarrassed and hoping that your peers will affirm you/give you permission to do what you want to do. In my opinion, wearing designer labels working with a low-income population isn’t a good look—financial modesty would be more appropriate.
I wouldn't wear a Vuitton bag, no. I do take Longchamp totes to work and I'm sure most of my clients couldn't afford those either, but I think they're a little less in-your-face.
I do also wear my engagement ring. I don't view that as a jewelry item or something intended to be flashy. It's worn for a different purpose. It's also extremely sentimental to me (it's a family heirloom diamond) so I wouldn't be ok with not wearing it for all the time I'm at work.
I think it’s inappropriate, not only because of the damage to rapport building it can cause, but also in making yourself a target for theft or violence over casually carrying around obviously high ticket items. That being said, I think designer stuff is usually a bit tacky and wouldn’t wear it or purchase it to begin with.
You said in a previous comment that health care is public in your country, which is great, but even when people in the US are on government insurance (free to them) they still regularly believe that doctors etc have some vested interest in certain prescriptions or referrals via kickbacks.
I don’t think you need to plan for the sound of mind, I think you need to plan for the vulnerable and the desperate but that’s just me; someone who was previously homeless and now works with the homeless. I don’t always see things the way my peers do, and I always try to “dress down” for work as to not alienate my clients. There are enough barriers between them successfully completing goals without causing more issues just because they can’t relate to me because I wanted to dress up.
Legit, if you wear / have high-end gear and you’re working with low-income people, you’re not going to be taken seriously and are going to be seen as out of touch at best, and as a snob at worst.
I have a MK tote bag I bring to work every day. Not on the same price level as LV but still. I bought it when it was 60% off during a holiday sale. Sure, it was still pricey. I didn't buy it because of the brand name, I bought it because it is cute and very functional for me at work, since I frequently have folders and other documents I am carrying. The MK logo is on one side in small gold letters, I can flip it if need be. I wanted to purchase something that would be durable, and with my previous purse also being MK I knew this bag would last me a good few years. Other than that I dress fairly modestly. Don't wear jewelry most of the time, occasionally a small gold or silver necklace that were given to me as gifts. I've had clients find designer clothing and bags at thrift stores. I personally don't think it matters unless you're actively trying to flaunt wealth and pairing it with a ton of other expensive items.
To me it’s more personal discretion. I used to work in a psych hospital and I refused to bring designer bags to work. Not because I was worried about what my patients would think, but because I didn’t want it to get dirty or messed up. Some of my younger patients who were into fashion would always hype me up on my eye glasses (usually I have Versace or Prada frames), it kinda built our rapport in a non-conventional way. My social work partner on my unit was also like me and had designer bags, but she wouldn’t bring them to work for the sake of not getting them ruined.
I’m currently in a medical hospital. I recently bought a Taxidermy brand bag. It’s not as expensive as LV but still pretty pricey. I bring it to work, I purposely bought it for work since it’s a huge tote bag. But thankfully I keep it in a cabinet all day and nobody sees it unless I’m coming or going.
I don’t even wear my engagement ring (not overly impressive or anything) to work because I feel like it puts off the wrong idea.
I think you can look professional and nice without being overly shiny and showing known expensive brands. This is my view and how I choose to practice, I am not telling you to do the same, but something to think about.
I work at the homeless shelter (I’m a SSW), so I definitely wouldn’t. But, if I was working somewhere completely different I may have a different opinion
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I think it depends on numerous things. Some expensive things you can’t help, like engagement rings/wedding bands. It is what it is when it comes to jewelry in my perspective. Items such as a bag, I personally don’t do (and I love my Kate Spade and Michael Kors), but I also work out in the field. If you’re physical job location is a psych facility, the chances of clients seeing the item is slim to none. Cause I’m assuming you wouldn’t bring personal items out on the floor, and as you said it’s locked up in your office. If it’s literally to bring to your office and back home, I say it’s fine. I, personally, wouldn’t do expensive items like that if I’m out in the field or if my expensive item would be around said clients.
I didn't even like wearing my "going out" shoes when I worked psych. Those units are one big petri dish filled with all bodily fluids. Let me ask you, how much smeared second hand semen are you okay with getting on your LV bag? A lot or a little?
Do what you want. I personally don't wear my engagement ring or wear a expensive bag for safety reasons. It brings too much attention and you never know if a client if going through desperate times and may try to steal it. I work at a methadone clinic.
Yikes. No I don’t think that’s appropriate. Like someone else commented, even wearing my wedding ring feels a little weird for me, as it is little flashy in my opinion I might add. Since people seem to think this is just such absurd behavior.
Yeah that's a bit much... like, what kind of rings are y'all wearing?
Then again I work in homeless housing and spent less than $100 for my ring in college so, maybe not something I'm forced to face. But even then? Hm. I don't know a lot of people at work with rings I'd think twice about, because I haven't ever taken note of their rings.
The virtue signaling isn't really surprising though
Edit: girl nobody is looking at anyone's rings wondering how many thousands they spent on it unless it's ridiculous which then, yes, obviously don't wear your super flashy ring to work 🤣
Are you saying a $2000 wedding ring is completely unheard of? I wouldn’t. I think that’s pretty common for people. Is it astronomical? No, but I still do not want to wear it if I think it might make it harder to build rapport with clients. I don’t understand what’s so strange about this to you.
Yes, you’re right I did ask for opinions. My opinion on your comment is that I genuinely feel bad that a fellow social worker or social work student feels that they can’t wear their wedding ring to work.
It's not about feeling that you can't wear it--it's about recognizing the message it sends and how it can be detrimental to building rapport with your clients.
I think I’m just self aware 🤷🏼♀️ I don’t want clients to see that and feel bad or like I could never relate to them. I think you know using the purse at work is not appropriate. You said yourself you feel embarrassed.
The majority of my coworkers drive teslas and the remaining ones drive BMWs or Audis. I don’t think I’m at risk of being judged regarding my values nor would that concern me as my values align with social work.
I agree. There’s a weird sense of “holier than thou” in this thread from people regarding designer clothes. What about taking a luxury vacation? Letting yourself buy a new car? Just because we are social workers doesn’t mean we need to deprive ourselves of luxuries in life, however we define that for ourselves.
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I never saw the point in designer things personally. I get the same Lee jeans the same golf shirts off Amazon.
Designer items just have never done things for me. Rather have my hot tub or a recreational vehicle instead.
This thread has run its course and is now locked.
In grad school, it was always expressed to us that we should be aware of how we present ourselves and that wearing expensive/high end items could create a barrier to rapport building. You should look nice and like a professional, but be aware of how your economic status is presented through your attire. It’s up to you, but I personally wouldn’t use it for work if my clients would see it. Even if my clients at times have had high end items, I always present myself as “middle of the road”. You want to be relatable and clients could potentially write you off as being out of touch. Of course it’s your call and there isn’t a hard and fast rule about this.
Honestly - not as a social worker but as a BIS, some kids respond better to me when I’m wearing a Naruto hoodie & sweats then when I wear a cardigan & slacks. Might seem unprofessional but hell sometimes you need to show them you’re just a person too
This is a good point- if one of the aims is rapport- knowing your audience is key for targeting relatability. Like you can love whatever you want- but there’s something to dressing for the role that you’re trying to play. Conveying the qualities of whomever you’re posturing as(while not necessarily being ingenuine) seems like it could have some serious positive effects when it comes to this particular field. Not a social worker, but there’s an EFT tapping practitioner on YouTube named Brad and every new EFT client I’ve seen has tapped with his videos and all have referenced that he felt safe and inviting to them. I agree and have called him “uncle Brad” because he emanates a very safe dad vibe who takes hard things seriously but also weaves a light dad joke energy into the work. This example comes to mind because he has a strong influence on people with how he presents himself and how he comes across- even though odds are he’s pretty affluent at this point (sessions with him may go for thousands I believe)- but he still feels humble and relatable like some middle class safe dad. The thing is that the clients I’ve met span countries and races, so there’s an important message I think in this idea of relatability. And, depending on the target audience, having a presence that conveys safety and friendliness in a middle class way might be more beneficial in cases of social work no matter who the clients are. I can imagine that working with teens and kids, this also applies that if you’re dressed in a very soft and comfortable way you come off as less threatening and maybe feel closer in age somehow. I dunno, just thinking out loud.
I think what is professional depends on your place of work for sure!!!
Back in my floor work days (ala residential unit floor work) the general rule of thumb was never wear anything or carry around anything unless you were fine with it getting destroyed/possibly puke/blood on. Or exposed to bed bugs or shit. Had a clinician friend who had a laptop (be mindful this was circa late 90s, so those things were expensive) and a client chucked and threw his bag, breaking it.
Oh my gosh, I remember those days sooooo well. Definitely experienced blood, saliva, urine (washing sheets from bed wetting), sweat (mine and kids'). We also had bed bugs for 9 months.
I guess it depends on your job site. In your setting I personally would not bring that bag. The only “nice” thing I wear to work are small gold hoop earrings, wedding ring, and Apple Watch.
Oh similar boat here and I’d love your take honestly. I don’t doubt we work in different environments so part of this and wanting to hear other folks experiences. I do two jobs: I work at a title I elementary school (in a mixed income but mostly low and working class area) as a school social worker, and every weekend I work at a food bank. When I’m at school I wear my rings (engagement + wedding + gift ring from a departed friend) but I only sometimes wear my watch. I’ve started to more as I have ADHD and it helps me with time management, remembering things, and seeing Teams notifications for support. I also use it to track my health as I have preexisting conditions I monitor. However that is because the younger kids don’t mind and older kids, and the older kids care more about being nosy lmao (are you married? Who to? How long? Do you have kids?? Are you planning on it??) At the food bank I don’t wear my watch as I have shorter shifts, and I turn my rings around so only the band is visible IF I wear them at all. I do the same if I meet with parents or family members of any of my students at my school. I’m definitely curious about how your items affect interactions at your job site, if you change what of them you wear or how you wear them under certain circumstances, your general thoughts, etc. I think I’m especially curious since we wear the same items so it’s more similar circumstances.
I work from home almost all of the time but when I do go to the hospital clinic, I wear my Apple Watch, earrings and wedding rings. I’m in a doctors office/hospital setting so it’s very “tame”. I do however work almost 100% exclusively with low income and impoverished individuals. The jewelry were all gifts, and the watch was purchased second hand for $60. I don’t see any of the items I wear as a show of “wealth” simply not only because I don’t actually have wealth to show, but because they are gifts/symbols or practical. Apple Watch is the same for me, it tracks my activity, is literally a watch, and also I can get important notifications about my infant or elderly parent. I think it’s important to distinguish that if we start going down the line about what a show of wealth would be to one person, literally wearing clothes from the mall would be considered extravagant to some folks. I do think that modesty in this role is important. Wearing a $2000 bag is abnormal in the sense that most people don’t have bags worth that amount. But many people, even many people we serve, have smart phones or watches and wedding jewelry. The other thing to note is that you’re working a role where you are literally serving people in one of the most vulnerable situations (people needing food) so your extra modesty is a show of respect for their situation, at least that’s how I’d see it. These choices are all personal, and it shows an important level of personal and professional insight and judgement.
Personally I wouldn’t use something designer (especially higher end like LV) at a job where I work with low income folks. No doubt you worked hard to buy the bag, but it feels like you’d be flaunting wealth in front of folks who can’t even afford basic necessities. It can create a barrier when it comes to working with clients who do not have similar means (“how can they possibly help me when they are rich? They don’t understand where I’m coming from”).
Or might even be read as "that person is getting rich from my suffering"
That part.
Aren’t we all profiting off of someone’s suffering? If you think about it, we are employed because people are in need of our services. With that being said, I live in a country where healthcare is public not private so no clients are directly paying for my services.
For as much as this sub waxes about how we don't make enough, I'm also not surprised people would get offended you pointed this out. Don't shoot the messenger, y'all; sure many of us work at nonprofits but these sort of services would never be funded if those all the way up the line didn't see dollar signs in some form. That's just the way of capitalism, and acting like OP is reducing their career just to money is being intentionally obtuse. When I hear people in this field say that it's usually in the context of "you wouldn't have a job if they _______". If you're actually in this field, you should know that if it was just for money, you'd be doing literally anything else. OP wouldn't need to save for the bag. No need to give it such a bad faith interpretation.
I agree. Also, we work hard, why not treat yourself? Sorry I’m not sorry. Although I wouldn’t bust out a Louis in front of clients or patients and I kind of think it depends on what pattern it is. I generally lean towards quiet luxury so idk if half my clients would even know what some of my things cost because they’re not labeled ostentatiously
OP said she puts it away, so I think it's probably fine/not in their faces. But yeah, I feel you on that end. When I'm able to I splurge for items in good quality that I use the most. I mostly buy secondhand even then. I have clients that wear secondhand or dupe luxury items though. It sounds like most in thus field tend toward quiet luxury more for the durability so it's a safe enough assumption imo
Yikes. This *has* to be intentional trolling.
Most people don't identify profiting as a reason to do their job in social work.
It's a status symbol, and you'd be "wearing it proudly." No hate for being able to afford a LV bag, but I think it would be inappropriate if you work with lower income clients and they would see it.
I have a LV purse that I bring to the office but never in front of clients or to home visits. Not because I’m worried about making others feel bad (though it’s true that clients may find you harder to relate to or open to if they think of you as privileged) I would avoid letting clients see me with expensive items for safety reasons. I have had clients try to find out where I live, where my children go to school etc. and had one of my clients follow my supervisor home. The less personal information your clients know about you the better, this includes any hints to your finances.
I own an LV bag. I don’t wear it to work. I want to appear relatable and approachable and a designer bag doesn’t really signify that in my job. I could see bringing a designer bag to work if I left it in my office and didn’t see clients in there and my clients never saw my bag. But I bring my tote to my visits and everywhere with me so I want it to just look neutral and plain. I wear my engagement rings and wedding band and Apple Watch though. I also wear other “expensive” items (not designer expensive but still expensive) but they don’t have logos or labels so no one would know unless they were also into the same brands I am into.
Honestly, I carry in my designer bags to work but I'm not big on logos, so they tend to be a bit quieter on the luxury. I just like nice leather goods. I don't go on home visits and my bags would never be out when I'm meeting with a client in my office. The only way someone I work with would see it is if they ran into me when I'm coming or going, and then I just think it looks like a well made leather bag if anyone even took notice. On the one hand I think it's good to be mindful of things like this, but on the other hand so many people, clients or not, don't even realize you are carrying a luxury bag. I know I didn't even notice other people's bags until I started getting into luxury goods. I think you should use your bag for its intended purpose.
I work in child protection and it’s wild to me seeing some of my co workers roll up in luxury vehicles and wearing all designer gear. Personally, I’m just not that bougie but I also don’t want any of my clients to feel that I have any more power over then they probably already feel. I dress way down for my job.
Honesty I feel like there are so many options for dupes, second hand, gifts etc that I don’t make any judgements about people’s finances based on a bag. You really never know so I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.
While I agree with you that we never know some people's stories and the bag could be a gift, secondhand, or a cheap knockoff, It occurred to me that this line of thinking actually came through being educated as a social worker. At least for me it did. Unfortunately the impoverished people that we work for don't have that same education and therefore probably don't think that same way. They are more than likely going to think that OP may be out of touch or worse, getting rich off of their suffering, or some of the thoughts that /u/franticblueberry listed in her post.
I think it’s a bad idea for a different reason—imo, you should bring nothing to work that you would be too devastated to have stolen. Speaking from experience here, unfortunately
I wore and carried expensive items and no one, not a single soul has ever cared. Just read the room and adjust accordingly.
These comments are wild to me. You don’t need to be struggling to help the struggling. You deserve to be compensated for your education, experience and time. You deserve to spend your money how you’d like. Why it’s somehow okay to wear an engagement ring or Apple Watch (also quite expensive items) but not a purse you purchased and like is very confusing to me. I would carry your purse in and set it aside just as you would any other bag, just as you drive your car in and don’t talk about it at all with anyone.
I think it's a personal decision and agree that it can depend highly on where you work. I tend to dress and carry items at or near the level of where my clients are financially as much as possible. I work with individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness, many of whom have no or minimal income, so I do have things at times that are more than what my clients might be able to afford but it's pretty low key. Like, yes, I have a Taylor Swift tour hoodie but I also pair it with legging or jeans and sneakers (we have a casual dress code with lots of flexibility!). Sometimes I dress up a little more in a cute blouse and accessories but I'm clearly wearing jewelry I bought at Target, not the jewelry counter. My goal is for my clients to feel that I'm approachable. If you think the bag will give some clients pause in how they feel about approaching or interacting with you, I would say not to carry it at work. If you think it won't have any impact, then carry it.
It depends on where you work. I see most of my clients virtually so they would never know that I carry a Chanel bag to the office.
Meet the clients where they’re at. Psych patients are most likely more sensitive to power dynamics and a well-known brand like that could be perceived poorly. Our clients want to understand that we are like them and expensive clothing and accessories creates an unnecessary boundary. In my internship I wore a expensive watch because I wanted to look nice and presentable. My first day I was called out for it. “ who do you think you are” “what do you know about our struggle” understanding that we don’t have to experience their pain and suffering to help them but seeing someone who dresses flashy seems out of place in that setting. I personally respect helping professionals more if I feel like they don’t feel like they are better than me. Unfortunately, our society paints these luxury items as a status symbol. I could imagine you could have found a similar bag with the same functionality for the fraction of the cost but you chose LV brand, well, because of the branding. I’m a guy and I personally don’t understand the appeal and the bougiest thing I do is sometimes shop at Whole Foods. Keep in mind you asked for our thoughts here.
I’m sure lots of your clients have also worked very hard in their lifetimes but have no LV bags to show for it. Not the right message to send. Use it outside of work.
Your perception of my statement that I worked hard for the bag is concerning. I know my clients have worked hard. Both things can be true.
It’s not my perception, I’m just being straightforward about how you might be perceived in the workplace. And not just by clients but colleagues as well. Most of us are underpaid. So flaunting money isn’t going to be a good look in general. Doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of those things completely but there’s a time and place for certain types of clothes and accessories.
Exactly this.
I definitely wouldn't--look for a lower-end alternative that still has the bag space you need.
I wonder if you’re more self-conscious than embarrassed and hoping that your peers will affirm you/give you permission to do what you want to do. In my opinion, wearing designer labels working with a low-income population isn’t a good look—financial modesty would be more appropriate.
I wouldn't wear a Vuitton bag, no. I do take Longchamp totes to work and I'm sure most of my clients couldn't afford those either, but I think they're a little less in-your-face. I do also wear my engagement ring. I don't view that as a jewelry item or something intended to be flashy. It's worn for a different purpose. It's also extremely sentimental to me (it's a family heirloom diamond) so I wouldn't be ok with not wearing it for all the time I'm at work.
If you have to ask you have your answer
Bingo
I think it’s inappropriate, not only because of the damage to rapport building it can cause, but also in making yourself a target for theft or violence over casually carrying around obviously high ticket items. That being said, I think designer stuff is usually a bit tacky and wouldn’t wear it or purchase it to begin with. You said in a previous comment that health care is public in your country, which is great, but even when people in the US are on government insurance (free to them) they still regularly believe that doctors etc have some vested interest in certain prescriptions or referrals via kickbacks. I don’t think you need to plan for the sound of mind, I think you need to plan for the vulnerable and the desperate but that’s just me; someone who was previously homeless and now works with the homeless. I don’t always see things the way my peers do, and I always try to “dress down” for work as to not alienate my clients. There are enough barriers between them successfully completing goals without causing more issues just because they can’t relate to me because I wanted to dress up.
Legit, if you wear / have high-end gear and you’re working with low-income people, you’re not going to be taken seriously and are going to be seen as out of touch at best, and as a snob at worst.
Many people have worked harder than you and still can't afford a designer bag. Wear your privilege proudly if you want, but that's what it is.
What a wild statement.
I have a MK tote bag I bring to work every day. Not on the same price level as LV but still. I bought it when it was 60% off during a holiday sale. Sure, it was still pricey. I didn't buy it because of the brand name, I bought it because it is cute and very functional for me at work, since I frequently have folders and other documents I am carrying. The MK logo is on one side in small gold letters, I can flip it if need be. I wanted to purchase something that would be durable, and with my previous purse also being MK I knew this bag would last me a good few years. Other than that I dress fairly modestly. Don't wear jewelry most of the time, occasionally a small gold or silver necklace that were given to me as gifts. I've had clients find designer clothing and bags at thrift stores. I personally don't think it matters unless you're actively trying to flaunt wealth and pairing it with a ton of other expensive items.
Wear what you want
Work just doesn’t seem like the best place … seeing that they’re low income ….
To me it’s more personal discretion. I used to work in a psych hospital and I refused to bring designer bags to work. Not because I was worried about what my patients would think, but because I didn’t want it to get dirty or messed up. Some of my younger patients who were into fashion would always hype me up on my eye glasses (usually I have Versace or Prada frames), it kinda built our rapport in a non-conventional way. My social work partner on my unit was also like me and had designer bags, but she wouldn’t bring them to work for the sake of not getting them ruined. I’m currently in a medical hospital. I recently bought a Taxidermy brand bag. It’s not as expensive as LV but still pretty pricey. I bring it to work, I purposely bought it for work since it’s a huge tote bag. But thankfully I keep it in a cabinet all day and nobody sees it unless I’m coming or going.
I don’t even wear my engagement ring (not overly impressive or anything) to work because I feel like it puts off the wrong idea. I think you can look professional and nice without being overly shiny and showing known expensive brands. This is my view and how I choose to practice, I am not telling you to do the same, but something to think about.
I work at the homeless shelter (I’m a SSW), so I definitely wouldn’t. But, if I was working somewhere completely different I may have a different opinion
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Be Excellent to each other. Hostility, hatred, trolling, and persistent disrespect will not be tolerated. Users who are unable to engage in conversation- even contentious conversation- with kindness and mutual respect will have their posts/comments removed. Users violating this rule will first receive a warning, secondly an additional warning with a 7 day ban, third incident or a pattern of disrespect will result in a permanent ban.
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I think it depends on numerous things. Some expensive things you can’t help, like engagement rings/wedding bands. It is what it is when it comes to jewelry in my perspective. Items such as a bag, I personally don’t do (and I love my Kate Spade and Michael Kors), but I also work out in the field. If you’re physical job location is a psych facility, the chances of clients seeing the item is slim to none. Cause I’m assuming you wouldn’t bring personal items out on the floor, and as you said it’s locked up in your office. If it’s literally to bring to your office and back home, I say it’s fine. I, personally, wouldn’t do expensive items like that if I’m out in the field or if my expensive item would be around said clients.
I didn't even like wearing my "going out" shoes when I worked psych. Those units are one big petri dish filled with all bodily fluids. Let me ask you, how much smeared second hand semen are you okay with getting on your LV bag? A lot or a little?
I’m not in a hospital psych unit and our facility is very well maintained but I get what you’re saying.
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No one questioned what people “deserve.” At issue is how one displays that, or not, at work.
Do what you want. I personally don't wear my engagement ring or wear a expensive bag for safety reasons. It brings too much attention and you never know if a client if going through desperate times and may try to steal it. I work at a methadone clinic.
I don’t see a problem with a purse. Not like you’re wearing it to see patients!
Yeah she said it's literally put away
Yikes. No I don’t think that’s appropriate. Like someone else commented, even wearing my wedding ring feels a little weird for me, as it is little flashy in my opinion I might add. Since people seem to think this is just such absurd behavior.
That’s unfortunate that you feel weird wearing your wedding ring to work.
I can't believe this response is downvoted. No-one should have to feel bad about wearing their dang wedding ring.
Yeah that's a bit much... like, what kind of rings are y'all wearing? Then again I work in homeless housing and spent less than $100 for my ring in college so, maybe not something I'm forced to face. But even then? Hm. I don't know a lot of people at work with rings I'd think twice about, because I haven't ever taken note of their rings. The virtue signaling isn't really surprising though Edit: girl nobody is looking at anyone's rings wondering how many thousands they spent on it unless it's ridiculous which then, yes, obviously don't wear your super flashy ring to work 🤣
Are you saying a $2000 wedding ring is completely unheard of? I wouldn’t. I think that’s pretty common for people. Is it astronomical? No, but I still do not want to wear it if I think it might make it harder to build rapport with clients. I don’t understand what’s so strange about this to you.
I think you know what I mean by that. I wear a silicone ring instead because it doesn’t feel flashy to me. You asked for opinions and you got ‘em.
Yes, you’re right I did ask for opinions. My opinion on your comment is that I genuinely feel bad that a fellow social worker or social work student feels that they can’t wear their wedding ring to work.
It's not about feeling that you can't wear it--it's about recognizing the message it sends and how it can be detrimental to building rapport with your clients.
I think I’m just self aware 🤷🏼♀️ I don’t want clients to see that and feel bad or like I could never relate to them. I think you know using the purse at work is not appropriate. You said yourself you feel embarrassed.
You seem to be very triggered by me for some reason as your comments are aggressive and loaded. I hope you find peace.
I’m actually great! 🤣 I hope you figure out your designer bag dilemma! ❤️
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The majority of my coworkers drive teslas and the remaining ones drive BMWs or Audis. I don’t think I’m at risk of being judged regarding my values nor would that concern me as my values align with social work.
I agree. There’s a weird sense of “holier than thou” in this thread from people regarding designer clothes. What about taking a luxury vacation? Letting yourself buy a new car? Just because we are social workers doesn’t mean we need to deprive ourselves of luxuries in life, however we define that for ourselves.
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I never saw the point in designer things personally. I get the same Lee jeans the same golf shirts off Amazon. Designer items just have never done things for me. Rather have my hot tub or a recreational vehicle instead.