On Sunday I met up with a bunch of girl geeks, who like me, write reviews for Girl Guides. In between tucking into cocktails and sushi at the Southern Sun Hyde Park pool bar (which is awesome btw) we had to introduce ourselves to the PR reps that were there too.
I found that surprisingly difficult! I couldn’t figure out how to explain who I was in a geek sense, and what kind of gadgets I like using.
Instead of saying that I like ALL gadgets and want to try them ALL, I went on about how I’m a photographer, a blogger, that I do social media strategy and banking strategy and that I’m a mom with 2 boys who are enamored with Xbox at the moment. Lame that explanation, isn’t it?
Anyhoo, I was listening to everything the others said around the room and it struck me how different we were, if compared to a bunch of male geeks in a similar environment.
We all love gadgets and blogging and social media. But… We don’t necessarily have the gadgets to support that love. If you had to ask a bunch of tech reviewers on a male dominated site guaranteed the majority of them actually own the gadgets already or something similar anyway.
In fact, it may surprise you to know this but even though we have an Xbox and my camera equipment is fab… We don’t even own a flat screen TV at home!! LOL!
When I thought about this topic on Sunday driving home, my feeling at the time was that it was because there’s always something else that seems more worthwhile spending money on.
I mean, I would give my eye teeth for an iPad2 or a Kindle or flat screen TV, but paying school fees and getting a new lens and clothes shopping and kids entertainment… and in fact, a new couch, is more of a priority.
And then on the way to work yesterday, I heard an interview on 5fm with a lady from FITE who is in South Africa working with local woman entrepreneurs and she was quoting some stats that astounded me, and also made me realise that my thoughts were in fact right. Do you know women on average, plough 85% of their income back into their family?
That makes complete sense to me. If the kids asked for a gadget I would buy it in a flash if I thought they’d gain from it. But I wouldn’t buy it for myself. I think it’s selfish.
Strange but true. Is this the case for you too?
Comments
cat@juggling act
Oh I agree 100% with you. At the moment without my nice phone I am so totally low tech and I too would love the 3 things you mention. Although our IT contractor has told me that he is not that impressed with his ipad and thinking back should have bough a webbook or such.
A Daft Scots Lass
I think all mothers are the same. Okay not all but definitely the majority.
We’ve all gone to the mall looking for a new pair of boots for the winter and came home with arm-fulls of stuff for the kids instead (on more than one occassion).
Its what Mum’s do. We put our children first. We want to give them the best and therefore we wouldn’t think TWICE about doing without.
We think practically. We think of the bigger picture when it comes to family like and our homes. What is priority? What is luxury? We make our decisions puting ourselves last on the list.
Women’s and Men’s priorities differ a lot. They’ll always have more gadgets and toys than us. A Mother’s priorities differ even more. The more children we have, the further down on this list we go. Its juts how we think.
alidaonline
From a non-mum point of view, I’ll see a gadget and want it. Then I go check it out and price it and then invariably decide to give myself a day or two to think about. Then I decide it’s too expensive/a waste of money/I’ve gone without it until now.
It’s only when I really REALLY want something that I end up saving and buying it. Almost saved up for my first DSLR camera and I’ve wanted it for about a year and a half now
Nick
iPad is a must have! The kids can eat bread
Fiona
I would love a kindle and a new macro lens but like you said, there are always other priorities in the house and for the kids that need to be bought first. It feels like that list is neverending.
In a way its nice being married to a techie geek…yesterday I was given his iphone because he got a new one. So at least I have a iphone now
Baglady
I so want a netbook and a kindle. I dont have it coz its not needed. I dont even have kids to blame for me not buying it; its just not a necessity.
Vanessa
I had a very long and detailed conversation with someone about this yesterday and I finally realised that I never splurge on myself because I don’t actually enjoy it that much. Why? Because I feel guity and selfish. It is a very annoying trait and it feels like something I should fight!
Personally, I think that generosity is wonderful and I am glad I enjoy buying things for others but at the same time, there is nothing wrong in buying something for myself. I am not a mother but I have 3 younger siblings which I have mothered my whole life and while I can spend money on them, I am still berating myself for the Lavender plant I bought for my garden last month. So anyway, go buy yourself something and enjoy it.
Angel
I listened to that same interview and I was also flabbergasted by the statistics!
And I miss being a GirlGuide…
Marcia (123 blog)
Oh that’s not me.
I do buy for the kids but I’m just so practical – it’s stuff they need.
And I’m the least tech person (as far as gadgets are concerned), my phone is about 4 years old, etc. but I do have a Kindle.
It seemed like a good idea at the time
I do love the ease of buying books but am still not used to reading from it.
Louisa
I heard that radio bit and thought it was a really cool idea too. And you’re 100% right on what I’ll spend money on too.