| Author | Message | ||
| Joseph M. (Reddog)
New member Username: Reddog Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2003 |
I encountered the same treatment when a few co-workers in my department and I decided to go away for a weekend as part of a bonding exercise. I showed up with my Mondial Coupe and one of the department managers felt very threatened by this and made several negative comments during the course of the weekend. Might I add that he showed up in his brand new Mercedes S-500 (what do these list for? about $80,000 or so). At the end of the weekend I had to let the cat out of the bag, and offered him TWO Mondials in exchange for his S-500...he almost bit. | ||
| Glen C Winters (Wildwarrior)
New member Username: Wildwarrior Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2003 |
Rob, I say bring them,if it's not a hassle.This is a car show, not a portfolio contest.The people that matter will enjoy them,screw the jealous 0 life types. You have awsome cars to share.Believe me, as a buisness owner I understand company politics,only you know what will be best for you'r daily work situation, after the fact.I see a catch 22 here.Good luck! | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 553 Registered: 2-2003 |
When I was hired on by my company, the nicest two cars are in the lot were S500's, both '99 or a '00. Then I show up and within three days, everyone knew my name and what I was driving. The damage IS done. If you take the 355 or the 328 is up to you, but I'd take one of them. Everyone knows you have one. You take pride in it. If the company throws a show and you don't bring it, how do you think they'll view you? "He has a Ferrari and its gorgeous, but, he didn't bring it to the show. He'll drive it to work everyday though." Just a thought. | ||
| acw (Acw)
Junior Member Username: Acw Post Number: 149 Registered: 2-2002 |
Rob, I bet everyone in your building is already aware of the fact someone has a Ferrari. When I brought my 360 to work, it only tool a few days before a perfect stranger asked me about the car in the cafeteria. So the damage (if any) is already done, so why not share your pride and joy with co-workers? If you offer rides, you'll probably give a few car enthusiasts some pretty unique experience. ACW | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 951 Registered: 3-2002 |
I can understand where Rob's coming from, though. There are a number of successful people where I work, and when they buy boats, planes or winter homes in St. Baarts nobody bats an eye. But when people found out I bought a 15 year-old Ferrari, for probably a third of what they assume it cost, I caught a lot of crap. Not that I care. It's just that it isn't always so easy to say "the hell with what people think". | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 610 Registered: 11-2001 |
I'd bring the car or cars, you can't hide them, people will know eventually. If you try to hide them and when people do find out, they'll start thinking what type of person you are. These days you can't hide anything no matter how hard you try. You work hard for the things you want, some others spend their hard worked money on drugs, liquor, or spending all their money on dates, some of us spend it on our personal hobbies. I tell people the truth, I work hard for my hobbies and sometimes if I don't feel like carrying a conversation I just say it's a customers car and they will usually stop talking. | ||
| DJ (Godfather)
Junior Member Username: Godfather Post Number: 101 Registered: 11-2002 |
I'd leave it at home. Its one thing when people think you have a street Ferrari but when you tell them you have a racing Ferrari thats a bit over the top for people. | ||
| yasir saifullah (Yasir)
New member Username: Yasir Post Number: 30 Registered: 7-2002 |
Rob, I have been in a medical profession for about 10 years and just recently went from an employee to be self employed.I would say if your co is undergoing layoff's,why show them how leisurely you are living ( 2 Ferrari's). I mean think about it for a second,the co is cutting cost by laying off people and here you are having plenty of money ( may be over paid !!)to enjoy these toys.I know you want to show of your cars,who deosn't ( kinda look what i have achieved feelings ) but i would say just keep a low profile until things are settled. Later, Yasir | ||
| Jeff B. (Miltonian)
Member Username: Miltonian Post Number: 334 Registered: 12-2002 |
The 328 isn't a secret (see first post). Take the 328, enjoy the day, answer everyone's questions, be upbeat about it, it isn't new, it didn't cost a fortune, you work on it yourself, you had always wanted one, etc. But the Challenge car? Out of 700 employees, you'd be lucky to get 10 people who understood. If they don't understand, there's no point to it. I can picture 690 people walking past your cube and braying, "Hey, Mister Ferrari Man!". Yikes. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 563 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rich...Where have you been in the work force? Politics plays a roll in just about every job you can find, from McD's to IBM! Ps to all: So my idea with the Gremlin was not a good one?  | ||
| Jeff K. (Bladerunner)
New member Username: Bladerunner Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2003 |
Official count so far...31 no, 16 yes, and 2 say bring the RX7. When I hear "company car show" I think of classics and muscle cars. Most people dont associate those types of cars with the type of financial means that are usually associated with Ferraris. It all depends on whether or not you are concerned about what your co-workers will think. If you want to make a statement regarding you financial success then bring one, if you want to play it low key...leave it at home. Those who know you have one will probably respect you more knowing that you own the cars for your own personal enjoyment, not to impress others. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 281 Registered: 1-2002 |
Owning a Ferrari is a two way street. The same great emotional response we get out of owning one has a flip side. It evokes a lot of jealousy in some others. Rationalize all you want how it costs less than some SUV but that logic doesnt hit the same buttons. After all is said an done we own it an they dont, maybe they wish they had the balls to get one. Being unique an standing apart from the crowd seperates you as well. Leave the Ferrari home, you cant change others. | ||
| rich (Dino2400)
Junior Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 236 Registered: 10-2001 |
I certainly wouldn't want to work at any company that would make hiring/firing decisions based upon anything other than one's job performance (and I'm a married guy with two kids). Such a company will not last long anyway. Anyway, in this case, with the recent layoffs and stuff maybe it's not a good time to show the Ferrari. However, if any of you guys with lower priced Ferraris want to educate your co-workers that it really doesn't cost more than their SUVs (if this is true), stick a for sale sign on it with market valuee price. Then they'll figure it out that they have more into their SUVs (especially once you add the Harley in) and you have a Ferrari and you won't have to hide it away in your garage. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Junior Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 162 Registered: 2-2003 |
You know, if the paranoia, malevolence, pettiness and defensivness in your workplace is that much of a factor, that's not where I would work in the first place. I mean really - you have to worry about driving a car everyone knows you have anyway? | ||
| Patrick S. Perry (Psp1)
Junior Member Username: Psp1 Post Number: 149 Registered: 3-2001 |
I've had more than my share of troubles trying to collect on invoices after clients have seen my TR. Usually they think it's great at first, then come the little snide comments followed by "he doesn't need it - look what he spent on a toy". Your co-workers already know about the 328 - stick with that. IMO, there's at least a 50/50 chance that someone up the line would use it against you at some point in the future. It's not worth the risk. | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
Junior Member Username: Zff Post Number: 63 Registered: 12-2002 |
This sure is an interesting mix of responses. Like you Rob, I also work in technology, got nice raises during the dot-com boom, have been dealing with layoffs ever since, could easily get another job (but not at the same pay)... but unlike you, I work for a small company. I don't want to go into all the details here on a public forum, but when it got out that I drove a Ferrari, I ended up with a small pay cut. (If you *really* want the details, email me and I'll share them with you.) Obviously, I would recommend keeping the F355 at home. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 929 Registered: 3-2002 |
Aw screw it! Drive up in the 328, and when you get out, you'll be wearing the Ferrari clown shoes and one of those gorgeous leather Ferrari bomber jackets, in red natch. That way, people will focus on the mental disorder they're sure you're suffering from rather than the car itself. | ||
| Robert J. Steinhagen (Bob)
New member Username: Bob Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2003 |
Unfortunately life is 90% perception and 10% fact. Problem is that the perception tends to win. I have three income sources to pay for my toys. Two of the three would not understand. That's the unfortunate reality. By the way in my previous post the statement about success was from Enzo to Luca as he told it a while back on the Charlie Rose show. It's Ok for a sports hero to make a fortune, but let a guy like you work hard and get some nice toys and the jealousy factor comes to the front big time. Go to the show and enjoy the internal joy you feel knowing that AT HOME you have two F-cars! | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Senior Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 5032 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'd leave it at home. With so many family's living paycheck to paycheck, it's a slap in the face for them to find out a fellow employee has a "ferrari" Regardless if there SUV was $10,000 more. A "ferrari" to 99% of the population is a $100,000 car. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 939 Registered: 10-2001 |
Any company that fires people based on their car is not a place I'd want to work anyway. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 139 Registered: 4-2002 |
How about having one or both ready, check out the other cars that are there and if you get a feeling of comfort, go home and bring it out. A lot of people think my car is $1XX,XXX, I take the opportunity to educate them that one can be had for less than $40K. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Junior Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 244 Registered: 8-2002 |
Corporate America is full of gossip & enuendo (sp)? I am sure most everyone at Sprint including your bosses are aware you have a Ferrari. FWIW my father worked in San Ramon Ca as a programmer consultant for 8 years so I know a few things about Sprint. If you don't take it what will they think then? Your too good to bring it or not a team player? Take it but be very humble and down play the car. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3813 Registered: 9-2001 |
apparently this whole car show is just an idea some boss had, so he can decide who to fire next | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 1187 Registered: 5-2002 |
Let's say the company falls upon hard times. The BIG boss has to face the grim task of selecting who has to be laid off and who gets to stay. On one hand, there's the employee with a wife and 2 kids who depend upon the job income to pay the bills. On the other hand, there's the employee who is wealthy enough to not only pay the bills, but he owns a FERRARI! Which guy do you think the BIG boss will view as LEAST effected if they are laid off? The Ferrari guy, of course. So he will be the first to go. Don't tempt fate. Leave the Ferrari at home and don't flaunt it. (incredibly enough, Art and I agree on this one!) | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 85 Registered: 2-2002 |
It didn't even cross my mind to ask the other obvious question: why is your company having a car show anyway? What good could possibly come out of that? Seems like it's just a vehicle (pun intended) for people to get jealous and spiteful. Perhaps they're planning there next round of layoffs and its a clever plan by management to determine who needs their job the least! | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 1847 Registered: 6-2001 |
Rob: As you know, my primary area in the law is employment. People in large companies have various ideas about what is appropriate and what isn't and unfortunately some of the strangest people seem to get to positions of authority. There is no telling who will look at your car, and what conclusions they will draw. The other side is what benefit will bringing the car provide? If there are benefits, then by all means take the car. If on the other hand, there aren't any benefits, leave them home. I've found that people don't want others to be more successful than they are. If you are doing the same job as others, but live better, frequently they will ascribe bad things to you, not always, but it does happen. If you can't leave for the same money, you need to stay. There is no reason to put yourself at risk. Art | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 547 Registered: 2-2003 |
A $75K Hotrod will probably get a thumbs up from many, but the Ferrari owner is just a prick. Suuuuuure. People don't bring their Corolla's to the car show, they're going to bring their nice toys. You don't win a car show by having the most plain uninteresting car unless its a booby prize. Bring the 355 with an F-chat sticker. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 937 Registered: 10-2001 |
I'm with Robin. If anyone knows you have a Ferrari and you DON'T bring it, they'll be pissed as hell at you. | ||
| Erich Walz (Deleteall)
Member Username: Deleteall Post Number: 331 Registered: 12-2001 |
Does your supervisor know about the 328? If so, what does he think you should do? Seems like the 355 would be an easier sell because you could refer to the sponsorship and imply that's how you're able to afford it. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Junior Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 199 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rob, another option. If the day should ever come that you leave the company, drive the 328 to work that day and trailer the Challenge car right behind it in another vehicle. That'll show them. | ||
| David Stoeppelwerth (Racerdj)
Junior Member Username: Racerdj Post Number: 237 Registered: 1-2003 |
I wish my Sprint Exec drove a Ferrari. My company has Sprint for our wireless 20+ mobile phones. I would be more disapointed if you left one home. | ||
| Robin Overcash (Robin)
Junior Member Username: Robin Post Number: 97 Registered: 1-2003 |
This is ridiculous. The company is having a car show. Car show = nice cars. Therefore, bring your Ferraris. Obviously they expect people to bring nice cars to this thing.. you think they're going to fill the parking lot with a bunch of Tauruses and Cavaliers and call it a car show??? My guess is that several of the other people you work with have some nice cars, and they'll bring them out. Life's too short to spend it worrying about what other people think of you. -R | ||
| Carl Roberts (Carl63_99)
Junior Member Username: Carl63_99 Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2001 |
I agree with most the people on this thread that it would be a big no-no to take either Ferrari. Someone here at my company has a 308GTB, and while walking through the garage to lunch one day, one of my coworkers saw the car and said, "Sorry about your pen*s." I had to tell him to stop being an a-hole, that car costs less than the new one you just got. But what I noted was the mere presence of that car insighted this guy to rude comments. Even if you don't care what your coworkers think, they can, and will, make things rough for you. | ||
| Chris F. (Dallasguy)
Junior Member Username: Dallasguy Post Number: 131 Registered: 10-2002 |
"- The theory seems to be that as long as a man is a failure he is one of God's children, but that as soon as he succeeds he is taken over by the Devil." | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1249 Registered: 3-2002 |
martin, you are in an enviable position being an entrepreneur (successful one at that), and that attitude is part of your success. but as much as rob should be proud of his achievements, he needs to be mindful of what these others will think because some of his wellbeing depends on their attitude towards him in the workplace. he can't just think to hell with them i want to live my life the way i want, because they are part of the equation and can/will have a negative impact based on complete mispereception of the situation. is this fair? is this the way life should be? is this the way you would act? no,no,no. but unfortunately i think it is reality for rob, and many of us who are not in the zone where we can just live well regardless of what others think. imho, the 5 hours of pride that bringing his cars to this show might give rob, the downside could be extremely negative. imho | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3807 Registered: 9-2001 |
Martin, even if he said that some idiot would say he works on the board from work - if people want to screw you they will | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4744 Registered: 5-2001 |
Rob since you work hard to earn extra money on the side by maintaining FerrariChat why would you not? Stop making excuses for what others think. Screw them. If their priorities is having a sh*t load of kids so be it, they will not afford that car, since you don't and you put countless hours into F-Chat you are entitled to the extra $$$. besides you can tell them the car pays for itself through the sponsors. (Who came up with that idea???) In reality though I would not even do that. Screw them. Since you are financing the car you can also tell them its not yours, your bank owns it, they rent it back to you for $x per month! Hey and pass out my business cards for thoise folks to call me if they want an affordable Ferrari for themselves. We do leasing. | ||
| Robert J. Steinhagen (Bob)
New member Username: Bob Post Number: 16 Registered: 1-2003 |
At work...They know about my Vettes, They know about my Viper...but they do not know about my Ferrari...Like Jim said: F-Car equals rich. People never forgive you your successes! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5079 Registered: 12-2000 |
Cool, yes, I know of John. I don't know him very well as he doesn't race very many times a year. We have about 5 racers that are at every race, about 10 that come to every other, and then there's about 30 SRX7's that just keep their license active a weekend a year. The life cycle of a racer girlfriend is... 1st time: Wow, this is cool, you're such a stud racing cars. 2nd time: Hmm, it's a little hot and dirty, what time can we leave the track? 3rd time: This sucks... she's gone, never to be seen again by the time you finish your race. | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1334 Registered: 7-2002 |
I hate to say it, but I wouldn't take it just to avoid the grief. Most people think Ferrari equals mega rich lifestyle, but we all know the SUV comparison. Think of it this way. The viewers who are car nuts will be thinking of the car not the owner and how much he makes. But if you are a mid level mgr who hates life and is eaking by then some young hotshot in his TWO Ferraris will chap his buns. There is a lady here who has a Z06 Vetter and races it which is no big deal to me, but I used to hear stories at the water cooler about her and her expensive racing cars/habit. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 558 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rob...I have your ultimate solution! Loan your Fcar to your bosses boss for the show. He can tell everyone it's his. You get a '72 beat up Gremlin (remember that car, with 12 acres of glass??) and enter that with a picture of yourself around eight small kids and your wife (Get kids from your block for the pic. Remember to smudge a bit of dirt on their shirts for the pic). After the show, your bosses boss will win the competition, fire YOUR boss and give you a raise and promotion to better the life of your eight kids. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5078 Registered: 12-2000 |
I think the #1 factor here is that we've laid off about 40-50% of our staff through 4 rounds the past two years. I've been lucky. Two years ago I was a team lead over 8 people. Every one of those is now gone except me. It's not over yet as we're going through an effort to "offshore" development to India. Our group isn't one of the targeted applications, but who knows. We've had VP's tell us no more layoffs and then one month later announce one. The thing is, I can find a job easily, but no way I could match my salary that grew through the "hot" years. Should I really care? Well, if I knew I could find a job for the same money or if I could get enough sponsors to replace my income then I would say FT and bring them. I like this latest suggestion about not brining any of them. That will be great to have everyone come up and ask why I didn't bring the 328. That will cause good attention. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1242 Registered: 3-2002 |
i haven't even read any of the other threads....but i can tell you straight off there is zero to be gained by yourself in showing your cars, either one of them. corporate america is just as rife with jealousy as anywhere else (probably more), and someone will use this to stab you in the back. there is no doubt in my mind. | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 84 Registered: 2-2002 |
My friend is John Smaardyk. We work together on the board of the Lone Star PCA. My fiance used to come to the track with me when I didn't know anyone. Now it tends to be a guys weekend out. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Junior Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 160 Registered: 2-2003 |
WTFO? - I guess I must live in a different world than everybody else as I drove my Ferrari every day and parked it outside the building on an AFB. BFD - it's a Ferrari. Of course, I work for the government and everybody knows what I make. As my Dad said - it's quite a conversation starter. Of course, it was a Mondial 3.2 so being more subtle only cognoscenti really recognized it and always commented positively. Which was great by me. Perhaps a TR would elicit a diffent response, but wtf. Most everybody thought it was cool, fun and it really fired up a lot of young folks to get to school and work harder - the same way I did. Just like it did for me to watch my neurosurgeon neighbor when I was in high school drive his 911 | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5076 Registered: 12-2000 |
Who's your friend? I know almost everyone as I'm the class admin for SRX7. Our website is www.spec7.org We have a few corner workers and pit bunnies that hang out. Jennie only makes it to a couple races a year. Racing isn't that attractive for spouses... long weekend in the heat and grime and noise. | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 83 Registered: 2-2002 |
Regarding the wrecked RX7, now you're talking! BTW, I asked a friend of mine who races SRX7's if he knew you. He said he had a garage adjacent to you at one race. The one thing that I remember him commenting on was that there were lots of girls around your garaage all weekend. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5072 Registered: 12-2000 |
They see my race car when I leave for races after work on Fridays. Jennie recomended I bring the wrecked Rx7. | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 666 Registered: 11-2001 |
Why not take the SRX7 on the flatbed trailer instead? You'd have great stories to tell, and could honestly say that it's budget racing. I really would avoid mentioning the 355 | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
Junior Member Username: Drewa Post Number: 146 Registered: 2-2002 |
I would not bring it unless you want to draw attention to yourself. | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 82 Registered: 2-2002 |
I definitely wouldn't do it. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on at my job was telling a couple of people that I had a Porsche. I didn't think it was that big of a deal (because it's not), but apparently people who aren't car people just really don't get it. My feelings are that the company should want its best people to do well and live well, but there really are a ton of jealous bastards out there. I've heard jokingly "we're paying you too much money" on a number of occasions, and I always took it as a joke. But when salary and bonus numbers came in February, I got the impression that they didn't think I needed any extra money. Keep your Ferraris as secret as possible. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3800 Registered: 9-2001 |
listen to Bryan, I have a F-car gym bag and I am leary about carring that to work. | ||
| Bryan Phillips (Bryanp)
Junior Member Username: Bryanp Post Number: 102 Registered: 8-2002 |
I am a 5th year asociate at a large law firm (after being an architect for 10). I only told 2 people in the firm when I got my F-car 3 years ago. Associate compensation was a hot topic at the time and word of my purchase got around the firm quickly. "Our associates are driving Ferraris" became a common quote for certain partners who thought we were paid too much. It really didn't matter that I had been saving for this thing my whole adult life. Based on my personal experience, I probably wouldn't do it. Normally I don't care what assumptions people make about my Ferrari ownership - but your employment destiny is in the hands of some people who will be at this show. A company-sponsored car show just seems kind of odd - you can't be alone in your quandary. Anyone with a car that seems to be out of corporate food-chain pecking order is gonna wonder if they should show. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Junior Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 195 Registered: 1-2003 |
I would play it low key and not bring either of the cars. Like others have said, some people may get jealous. If you really get the urge bring the 328 but definitely NOT the Challenge car. That would really push it in their faces. Unless they would be interested in helping sponsor the car. That would be cool to see a Sprint decal on the car and then bring it to the event. Overall, I would keep it quiet. I presume that at least your friends at work know about one or both cars. There are other ways to enjoy the car without the friction. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 840 Registered: 2-2002 |
I wouldn't do it. Why take the risk? The world is full of jealous people and many of them rise to a position of power and use it to get even. It sucks, but it's true. When I was a VP/Business Unit manager of a major corporation I caught crap for owning a BMW 325i. I had more than enough income to own it and everyone knew it, I bought it used and it cost less than the SUVs I parked next to, but still people held it against me. Then again, if you want to do Ferrari Chat full time, here's your chance. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3794 Registered: 9-2001 |
if you are at all worried, don't bring it, there really is no upside, and given the situation at sprint and you being in Enron land, I would not | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1161 Registered: 12-2001 |
I would arrive in one of those toxic white stretch things, and simply explain that you felt uncomfortable bringing your ferraris, so you left them at home. Tough call; ya wanna do it, but you don't know how your employers or co workers will react. Since that's a concern in your mind, i'd say pass.(Cause forever after, if you get a strange look in the hall, you'll wonder, gee, do they really dislike me for who i am, or was it the ferrari(s)?) | ||
| michael Alpert (Taters)
New member Username: Taters Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2003 |
Do not bring either car,if anyone asks tell them you had to sell it to pay your bills. When you work with other people it is always better to stay low key.This might also help to keep your job.My opinion comes from personal experience! | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 553 Registered: 1-2003 |
The problem with Ken's post is that most non-exotic owners think these cars are $150K, which will overshadow a more expensive BMW that the boss drives. I would not bring it to the company show. Sr. level management probably already knows you have the 328 and you would probably stand out more in their mind by NOT bringing it. It would be like the high school senior entering a 6th grade weight lifting contest. | ||
| David McGee (Damcgee)
New member Username: Damcgee Post Number: 29 Registered: 2-2003 |
I think Arthur is the voice of reason on this one. Yeah, you could take it. But I think the people you piss off (even if unjustly) would be important than the people who truly appreciate it. | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 130 Registered: 2-2003 |
I would take it. Chances are they won't even know what it really costs anyway or what it is for that matter. If they ever sound like they think its a million bucks or anything like that just say that it is a kit car j/k. I am sure they would actually like to see it. Erik | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 538 Registered: 2-2003 |
I'd tell 'em its mine, show it off, but dance around the money question. You can say you got it from a relative or bought it with inheritance. Nothing wrong with enjoying whats yours. You can make it the right time and place if you don't mind fibbing about it now and then. Easier on everyone that way. Sunny | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 543 Registered: 4-2002 |
Take it. Tell all the other pee-ons that you got a massive bonus last quarter and bought it from that. Tell your boss that you earned it from side jobs doing managment consulting work for senior executives. The following monday after the show, start looking for a new career! | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Junior Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 158 Registered: 2-2003 |
Heck, I'll bet most would love to see it and the remainder won't care. Take the car - be proud of it. You did EARN it after all. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
Junior Member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 89 Registered: 1-2003 |
Yes take it, you earned it (presumably ;) and you should enjoy it, and that includes showing it off. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1400 Registered: 4-2002 |
Get a GT4. They'll just feel sorry for you. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 933 Registered: 10-2001 |
For god's sake, yes you should enter your car. I have noticed fear really cuts into enjoyment of an exotic and I refuse to succumb. $50-$100k is plenty of income for others to buy an exotic BTW so if anyone's jealous they're just uninformed. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2002 |
How about you bring it, but just say you're driving it for someone else that owns it? | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Junior Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 57 Registered: 4-2003 |
Rob, as a CPA, I make a point of not telling my clients that I have a Ferrari. When the average person sees one, all they can think of is Miami Vice or Bill Gates spending millions or, in Houston, the Enron gang. No doubt that there is a major wow factor when I take it out, but that's okay for strangers. For people who know me, I have learned that it is better to keep it low key. The main exception being, of course, fellow addicts! Dale | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 1844 Registered: 6-2001 |
Rob: I'd be careful. You never know who doesn't like sports cars, and what their position in the company is. Given the •••• poor economy, with layoffs going on, why take the risk, small though it is. Art | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5066 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well, just found out my building is having an employee car show as part of a company "fair" in June. It's all Sprint employees and there's about 700 of us in the building. I drive the 328 to work about once a week, but cover it up and we have several parking lots, so only those in my lot see it. Of course I have 25 models and numerous pics in my cube, but not everyone walks by my cube. I do get ribbed about the 328 quite a bit when 50% of the cars in the lot cost more. Now I think there is little risk to bringing the 328 as many already know I have it. However, should I bring both horses. No one knows I have the second one and I was planning on keeping it that way. However, I know it would just blow the heck out of everyone if they saw it. We've already been through 5 rounds of layoffs and although they're slowing, we're never really in the clear. Would I just be asking for trouble to show the Challenge car? This is Sprint, not some high payroll investment firm, most people here earn between $50-100k. |