Exactly. I don't know what these kids are smoking. I spent $5k I think in my first year at ibank (living at home admittedly). I don't even have time to go out to drink and when I do I'm so tired I just wanted to sleep.
Let's see...
Jan-July: did nothing but work til 2am everyday, caught taxis home, dinners all paid for. Slept on weekends and thought about how much I hated working til 2am.
Jul-Sep: went to London for training, accommodation paid for, got $5k living allowance, was in class 9-5pm every day any way
Sep-Dec: did what I did best, work til 2am, having my pitchbook torn up by the VP
I don't have multiple watches, suits etc. I still buy from Jensen's in HK for suits every time I drop by HK. I don't wear watches. Why bother buying one unless you're going to spend $30k+ on an AP or PP? You (newbie) and I know a cr@ppy $5k omega wouldn't even get you in to the VIP area of Beijing Club. Who are people trying to impress with a $5k watch? Their cat? I'm only driving a new Merc E-series which I got extremely cheap (40% off retail as the 2013 model where the lights are recombined is rolling out soon). I'm wearing the same LV belt my gf got me when I was in uni.
Admittedly, my type of style would be frowned upon in your city newbie and I would probably be pressured to spend more and get some Zegnas, APs, A Testonis etc every so often and drive a Maserati. So that's one good thing about Australia - the need to keep up with the facade is minimised. Oh and I certainly didn't open 10 bottles of Doms last night for NYE. Just had some simple oysters, crabs, lobsters, 9+ marble wagyus which I got from wholesalers I know at 30% what people pay at a restaurant and fresher too.
As they say about ABCs though, 憎人富贵厌人穷.
Happy New Year!