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

[Katee91]

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..

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

Is there a missing piece of backstory or something?

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

this!

im rich blah blah blah

No I don’t talk about money with them, one friend made a slightly judgy comment about the amount of holidays we’ve been on this summer but I certainly don’t throw it in anyone’s faces.

Six figures after tax is hardly much so I can see why you would need a side hussle

I think people like some validation that they are good at their hobby, and why not? We’ve probably all seen the homemade stuff on social media people try and flog - not because they need the money, as it obviously wouldn’t make a proper income.

Not sure if you saw a lady the other week who posted a few pictures she took and people said they thought they were too amateur? It seemed she wanted to sell them, not to make a profit, just because it validated her skill at that hobby.

Hardly. Higher earners are ten a penny on MN!

Friends and judging shouldn’t be in the same sentence 😊 (well for something like this, I don’t mean if you like cheated or murdered someone 😂) but yeah you’re not being unreasonable to be upset that they’re not supportive.
at the same time though, take no notice, crack on and wishing you all the best with your ventures 😊 ✨ it’s nice to be able to pursue a hobby as a side hustle and fair play to you 👏🏻

But if it is working for you why do you need their permission just do it

Sorry, that’s not what I was saying. It doesn’t seem like they’re bothered at all by your income, more your hobby. Is it really that bad?

Are you sure they aren’t just worried they will pressured to buy your cakes/crossstitching/foot shavings etc

And yet never actually is 🙄

it’s prob jealousy. do they earn the same as you?

most side hustles require funds to get off the ground (in my sad experience at several failed side hustle attempts!)

I might find it hard to see a mate making even more money cos they had the capital to start something off with.

But I’d like to think I’d manage that quietly and not let them know about it.

it shouldnt matter what they think and don’t let it stop you.

@CosyNavyLeader and @mmsnet

Here comes the little spiteful jealous crew…
Get a life and stop belittling and bullying others.

Jealously is an ugly trait.

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Posting 3 times is uglier.

There are a mix of jobs, none earn 6 figures to my knowledge but they are probably what you’d call middle class. One has more of a ‘hobby job’ but really enjoys living frugally and I often envy her life to be honest!