Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Friends judging my side business because I’m a high earner

309 replies

Katee91 · 04/09/2025 22:13

I work a stressful but very (financially) rewarding job - comfortably 6 figures with generous bonuses. My DH out earns me and I know we are very fortunate in that respect.

I’m attempting to turn a hobby/passion into a small side business and have spoken to various friends about it.

More or less all of them have questioned why I need to do this as they don’t feel I need the money. That isn’t the motivating factor though, it’s for enjoyment and linked to my passion.

AIBU to feel a bit upset at their outlook with this? Even after I explain my reasons they still turn it back to money.

I don’t think it’s jealousy as my DH suggested, but I just feel a bit deflated and that my friends should be supporting me..

OP posts:
Strzyga · 04/09/2025 22:20

Isn't it always outing...... Hmm

Complet · 04/09/2025 22:19

They don’t really sound like friends, unless your side hobby is exploitation?

Even if they think your hobby is dreadful/tacky/unbecoming of a lady, they shouldn’t be so rude.

What you earn isn’t really relevant, a lot of people earn a lot more than you and like to sell items on Vinted etc.

Do you talk about it a lot? Are they bored of it? If not, then I think they’re just rubbish friends.

Ionlymakejokestodistractmyself · 04/09/2025 22:19

I suppose they wonder why it's not enough to just enjoy your passion, and are risking enjoying it less by making it a commercial enterprise.

Can you tell us a bit more about what it is? It might help us work out what the issue is.

Quitelikeit · 04/09/2025 22:18

Is it not ok for them to ask why? It seems a fairly logical thing to ask given your circumstances mentioned above?

Katee91 · 04/09/2025 22:18

It’s hard to describe what it is as the hobby is fairly outing. I am not intending for it to be massively time intensive, but it’s something I enjoy so it wouldn’t be an issue if it took up a bit longer that expected.

OP posts:
MidnightPatrol · 04/09/2025 22:16

What’s the ‘side hustle’?

They obviously don’t think it’s going to be very lucrative or popular, is my take.

And I suppose - a lot of extra work for probably little return.

Morningswim · 04/09/2025 22:15

Are you sure that's why they are judging it? Whats the side business?

CosyNavyLeader · 04/09/2025 22:15

On today's episode of 'Humble brag'...

QPZM · 04/09/2025 22:14

I mean, does it really matter what they think? 🤷‍♂️

Is there a missing piece of backstory or something?