I feel like such an outcast at work. Everyone spends $7-$15 a DAY on their lunches eating out. That doesn't include their breakfasts, snacks and coffee. I just don't get it! How can everyone spend so much and not be affected by it. Granted, most everyone here lives paycheck to paycheck... but I just feel so out of place most of the times. Everyone is gathering up their orders and I am heating up my leftovers from the night before, and they look at me like I am crazy or something. Is it just me or has anyone else had this happen to them all the time?

I try to be really good and save so my daughter and I aren't struggling, but sometimes it sure seems like a lot of work. In the long run, my daughter and I will be better off than a lot of people here. She is what keeps me going. If I save now she can do X later. If I don't eat out for lunch, her and I can use that money toward Y later. I love her more than life itself and I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. It isn't the easiest thing though.

Oh, i'm sure they *ARE* affected by it!! Don't let them fool you! LOL!! Eating out *EVERY* day and spending that much $$ has got to hurt... even $10/day say, that's $200 month, or $2400 a year! And like you said.. that doesn't include coffee runs, etc...

I would just feel happy with myself knowing that i'm not wasting all the money on fast food.. and to think of their health! Eek!

I think you're a smart woman for saving that money instead! Be proud of yourself!!!

I bet it's hard, but instead of feeling out of place, make it seem like "your little secret". You can just think of what you are accomplishing, and how far you have come and how great you feel for leading by example for your daughter.

Check out my new signature line......this might hit home for you and make you feel better. You are a shining example!

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Not only is it expensive to eat out, most times it is UNHEALTHY. You're doing the right thing!

I've been on both sides of this and I can tell you packing your lunch/warming up left overs may not taste as good but it saves so much money and it's really better for your diet too. When I would go out I'd end up with greasy burger and fries where as if I brought something from home it's either a salad or last night's leftovers - better for me.

I used to go out every day for lunch... in my single days. I'd even stop at the minimart on the way to work for a pop and coffee and maybe candy bar. I ended up in credit card debt - not just because of that but it didn't help me any.

Anyway, you know -- and they will someday, either in debt, chubby and goin out still or they will be like you - warmin up the leftovers -- there's nothing wrong with that!

I am soo trying to get my dh to bring lunch from home he is soo lazy!! *If I made it he still wouldnt!!*

I think you are doing the right thing!! it saves money and it is more healthy for you!!!

Yes it is difficult to be the only one not getting take out. I am a SAHM however, my DH takes lunch every day. Plus my mom takes dinner to her work (she works 3 -11) and people who get take-out are jealous of her meals.

The others are affected but they are not letting you see it. They could be in debt up to their eyeballs and you wouldn't know it.

Make sure you keep it up .... not only for you but also your DH.

My dh used to eat out every day, that was before kids, now he's allowed 1 maybe 2 days to go out. It is very expensive, he was spending 100 dollars a month alone.

I on the other hand work at a grocery store in the pharmacy and I tell you it is so hard especially if there is a display is front of the pharmacy.
I now work part-time and it's easier b/c I know I can't spend to eat out.

Why don't you schedule one day a week to go out with the coworkers or order lunch. My husband has made many good coworker friends this way and he typically does this at least once a week.

Trust me you are the smart one. Imagine all the CC debt half of them are in just because on lunch out everyday.

Jen

When I was working, before my DH was working with me, I would take a book to work or a magazine and go to "my spot" and eat lunch and read. It was the most relaxing part of my day. On Fridays I would go out to eat with the rest of my coworkers. Besides, eating out every day gets old, too. Your coworkers are probably jealous or secretly think it's a great idea.

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