THE ONE WHO ORDERS A STARTER FOR DINNER
LUCY STEVENS, 35, is a social worker. She is single and lives alone in a two-bedroom flat in Richmond, London, and earns £31,000 a year. Lucy says: THE girls think I can be tight sometimes and roll their eyes if I just order a starter and water when we’re out for dinner — but I can’t splash cash around. Maybe they think I earn more than I do, and that’s why they get frustrated with me.
I certainly don’t enjoy having to be the thrifty one in our group. It’s awkward sometimes, and I admit I sometimes feel jealous of the girls who don’t have to think twice about using a credit card. I know Joanna and Vesna both have higher salaries and well- paid husbands, but my mortgage and bills come down to me — and only me. I own a second property in London which I rent out, but the income it gives me is eaten up by repayments on the loan which I took out to go travelling. I have to budget every penny I earn.
Some of the girls can order champagne when it’s their round and don’t have to look twice at the bill, but I have to be more careful.
When it comes to money, it sometimes feels like we’re on different planets. Last week, Vesna emailed us all suggesting that we go on a week’s walking holiday to the Dolomites costing £1,200. That will be one of several holidays she takes this year, but it’s too expensive for me.
She works very hard and I don’t begrudge her those holidays, but I do feel jealous. I’d love her lifestyle.
I put a lot of effort into scouring discount websites for restaurant offers when we go out, but even then problems do arise.
On a trip abroad last summer, we’d agreed to split the bill for dinner equally, but Latoya ordered the most expensive dishes on the menu. I felt frustrated but bit my lip so as not to cause a row.
I may not be the highest earner in the group, but I think I’m the most satisfied in my career — which compensates for my salary, and I feel it earns me respect from the other girls.
Yes, I moan about money, but enjoying my work is worth a lot more than a big salary.