Justifying tattoos post MMM

[Lagom]

So I'm getting a tattoo next Wednesday. It will be my first one (I'm 33) and I expect it to cost around $700-800 including the tip. I've been following MMM principles for some time now, especially since my divorce a couple years ago (money was a significant source of our issues), and I struggled for a while on whether this was a justifiable expense. The reason I recently came down on "yes," is perhaps not something everyone can relate to, but it essentially boils down to a combination of getting better at differentiating my own wants from a SO's and my lifelong habit of constantly worrying about other people's opinions, which has also stopped me countless times from listening to my own desires on a wide range of life decisions.  I want a tattoo for no bigger reason than I just do, and I've decided to embrace that.

Nervous but excited. I wasn't a particularly reckless college student, so might as well do it now! To be clear, I've been thinking about doing this for 10 years, and mostly didn't because of the reasons listed above (more worrying about other people than my ex, who was actually supportive of me getting one), so this is far from an impulsive or "rebellious"/quarter-life crisis decision.

Anyone else still find tattoos worthwhile expenditures, even after adopting mustachian ways?

EDIT - Since it seems I wasn't clear enough, my intent was to solicit replies from others who value their tattoos, not to spark a debate over whether one should get a tattoo.

[renata ricotta]

I'm not planning on a tattoo (mostly because I'm not decisive enough/don't have a good idea for one), but this seems totally in line with mustachian principles; living your life so you can comfortably spend money on the things that are important to you. Plenty of people here spend $700-800 or more on things that matter to them, with travel being a common one. Travel isn't intrinsically more righteous or mustachian than getting a tattoo, if getting that tattoo is meaningful to you (and it sounds like it is!).

[MoneyCat]

I have a tattoo and I also own a Gibson Les Paul guitar that I bought for $1,000. If something is meaningful to you and will last a lifetime, then by all means go for it. Mustachianism is all about finding true happiness. You don't have to deprive yourself of the things you truly enjoy.

[Sailor Sam]

Anyone else still find tattoos worthwhile expenditures, even after adopting mustachian ways?

Yup! I used a tattoo as motivation to keep studying for a qualification exam. Made the appointment with the tattooist standing on the steps of the exam building, holding my freshly minted certification. Great day, and a great tattoo! Every time I see it, I remember that I'm capable of being dedicated and gung-ho.

[Lagom]

Thanks for the replies. It's not that I intend to get tons of tattoos (I may get more), but in many ways recognizing that I should be living for no better reason than to be happy is what this one represents to me. Very glad to hear Sam's example. That's what I hope to gain from this.

[undercover]

If something makes you happy or gives you reason to continue living, isn't that enough justification?

[Jaguar Paw]

From 18-28 I got somewhere around 50 hours of tattooing done on arms, chest, back, ribs, inner lip. In the last 3 years I have been struggling a lot to justify spending the money on tattoos.

[NinetyFour]

Waiting to see who will deliver the first face punch here...

[Cap_Scarlet]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it.....it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

[Lagom]

Waiting to see who will deliver the first face punch here...

Honestly, as was already said, I don't see this as particularly different than going on an $800 vacation, something that pretty much everyone on this board would say is a worthwhile expenditure. I know tattoos aren't for everyone (hence my craven avoidance of getting one thus far), but that doesn't make them intrinsically a waste of money. If anything, this one will bring me pleasure in a far more lasting manner than a one-off experiential expense.

I suppose I worded my original post too tentatively. I was mostly interested to hear the stories of others who valued their tattoos rather than ask whether tattoos were a justifiable expense in the first place (a question I have already settled with myself).

[mozar]

I love my tattoos, even though the first one I got was poorly done. I kind of wish I had gotten more pre-mustachianism, because it is harder for me to justify it now. I do plan on getting more eventually,

[gggggg]

I'm not a tattoo guy at all, but I think an occasional expenditure is justified; I personally don't want to be a total monk, and never have anything.

[Reynolds531]

I thought about a tattoo but I can't handle a flu shot.

[Lagom]

I thought about a tattoo but I can't handle a flu shot.

I'll let you know how it goes with mine, but my understanding is that the feeling is quite a bit different than getting a shot. I've heard it compared to mild burning, cat scratches, pinching etc., but never to getting a shot.

[Mtngrl]

As long as you're not drowning in debt and have the funds, why not?
I love my tattoos. Every one is meaningful to me.

[Bajadoc]

Ok I will say it, the current tattoo craze is mass insanity. Ten or twenty years down the road you will be a different person yet still have the same indelible cartoon displayed on yourself. But, it's your money and your body to do with as you please. Think hard.

[Lagom]

Ok I will say it, the current tattoo craze is mass insanity. Ten or twenty years down the road you will be a different person yet still have the same indelible cartoon displayed on yourself. But, it's your money and your body to do with as you please. Think hard.

As I mentioned, I'm 33. My decision has been very well researched and thought out. It has nothing to do with the rising popularity of tattoos. But thank you for what I know was well-meaning, albeit misguided advice.

[Eric]

Have you weighed the cost of having your immortal soul spend all of eternity in hell?


j/k

[Lagom]

Have you weighed the cost of having your immortal soul spend all of eternity in hell?


j/k

Thought about it? I'm counting on it! Did I not mention I'm getting a giant pentagram and goat-footed devil on my chest? ;p

[MandalayVA]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd. 

[Lagom]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

[PFHC]

It's not that I intend to get tons of tattoos (I may get more)

From a well tattooed man, that's exactly how it starts. You will get more. Could be lots more.

[Eric]

Thought about it? I'm counting on it! Did I not mention I'm getting a giant pentagram and goat-footed devil on my chest? ;p

Show this pic to your artist:

[PFHC]

If you subscribe to the idea of buying things that last, a tattoo is the ultimate mustachian purchase. ;)

When i travel i get ink as my souvenir. I find the best local artist ahead of time and bring home something special and unique that reminds me of my trip, but takes up no room in my luggage. Better than a series of collectable spoons or something.

I love this idea.

I worked with a mariner who was very well tattooed. A bunch of beautiful work. We talked for an hour about them and he told me the story of many them. He had tattoos from all over the world and the story behind each was very cool.

[Lagom]

It's not that I intend to get tons of tattoos (I may get more)

From a well tattooed man, that's exactly how it starts. You will get more. Could be lots more.

Ha, I hear that a lot. I work out at a powerlifting gym. Lots of tattoos to go around there. Everyone  is convinced this is the first step on the road to a full sleeve, at the bare minimum. I might consider it, even, although I work in a client-facing job in the SF Bay Area, and I'm not sure if I want to give up my ability to wear short sleeves to meetings in the summer. Then again, despite now being a 6'4", soon to be tattooed powerlifter with a shaved head, for the first ~30 years of my life I was a super skinny, mild-mannered nerd (still am the last two, although I fake extroversion well). I can't deny part of the appeal of getting a sleeve down the road is that I enjoy the idea of subverting that image. Not that I intend to change my personality, I just like pushing the boundaries of people's preconceptions.

Thought about it? I'm counting on it! Did I not mention I'm getting a giant pentagram and goat-footed devil on my chest? ;p

Show this pic to your artist:

YESSSS! Brb, gotta update my plans with my artist. So stoked for that MMM meetup in hell:D

[Cap_Scarlet]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

THIS http://www.salary.com/tattoos-hurt-chances-getting-job/slide/4/

...but aside from that, all a tattoo does is mark you out as a knuckle dragger

[Slee_stack]

Not a fan but do agree that if it gives you enjoyment, spend away.

It would be most mustachian if you learned and then inked yourself.

[Eric]

You guys are trolling right?  Tattoos are trashy or make you a knuckle dragger?  What year is it?  Do you also scold women when they show their ankles in public?  Do you admonish men for not taking off their hat indoors?  LOL.

[Paul der Krake]

I wouldn't get a tattoo if they were given out for free, but I can understand the appeal.

A one time expense that wasn't done on a whim is not the end of the world. Go for it.

[10dollarsatatime]

I'm not opposed to the idea of getting a tattoo.  I have much more respect for a tattooed person who has reasons and stories behind their artwork, than the person who got it because it 'looked cool'.  My problem is that I've yet to find anything I'm so passionate about that I want to carry a reminder about it on my body for the rest of my life.

[Lagom]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

THIS http://www.salary.com/tattoos-hurt-chances-getting-job/slide/4/

...but aside from that, all a tattoo does is mark you out as a knuckle dragger

K. Thanks for the productive discourse. I guess I didn't learn anything in grad school (why did they let a knuckle-dragger like me in anyway?!?) and I'm going to get fired from my awesome white collar job as soon as I get a tattoo that no one will see unless I want them to. I appreciate the warning!

Full disclosure time: I also often wear a hat indoors :O

[Lagom]

I'm not opposed to the idea of getting a tattoo.  I have much more respect for a tattooed person who has reasons and stories behind their artwork, than the person who got it because it 'looked cool'.  My problem is that I've yet to find anything I'm so passionate about that I want to carry a reminder about it on my body for the rest of my life.

I totally respect this reasoning because it's (sorta) why I waited so long myself, but I also wonder if at least some who worry too much about the symbolism of the specific image they choose are missing the point. Not that there's anything wrong with wanting your tattoo to mean something (I actually think the first one, at least, should have some sort of meaning), but what made me decide to pull the trigger was realizing that the act of getting the tattoo was itself what I found most rewarding. After that, picking a design was relatively easy (surprisingly so). It will still "mean" something symbolically, but the best part of it from my perspective is that I took the plunge to do something I really wanted to do, just because I really wanted to do it, regardless of the opinion of people like Cap_Scarlet, or even friends/family.

Owning that decision and having a permanent reminder of having done so is something I find incredibly empowering. Even if the design itself was at least 75% motivated by how "cool" I find it :)

[human]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

I think what people are getting at is that it's not such a special individualistic endeavour as you want to make it out to be. We have no idea what your tattoo will be, why not show us the drawing and then we can give you a real pass/fail since isn't that why you posted here? Sure your past hesitation was completely misguided, but others are still entitled to their opinion that most tattoos suck.

Oh wait you just want validation and people to nod their heads approvingly!

[Lagom]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

I think what people are getting at is that it's not such a special individualistic endeavour as you want to make it out to be. We have no idea what your tattoo will be, why not show us the drawing and then we can give you a real pass/fail since isn't that why you posted here? Sure your past hesitation was completely misguided, but others are still entitled to their opinion that most tattoos suck.

Oh wait you just want validation and people to nod their heads approvingly!

Nah, I don't give a shit if you disapprove and want to tell everyone about it. That's the point, lol. Bring all your friends to this thread to tell me how much tattoos suck, if you want. No skin off my back (ink off my skin?), etc.

Reading comprehension would be nice, though. Never said this was a "special individualistic" endeavor the way you obviously mean it. As I did say, preconceptions + confirmation bias = you.

[Bajadoc]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

I think what people are getting at is that it's not such a special individualistic endeavour as you want to make it out to be. We have no idea what your tattoo will be, why not show us the drawing and then we can give you a real pass/fail since isn't that why you posted here? Sure your past hesitation was completely misguided, but others are still entitled to their opinion that most tattoos suck.

Oh wait you just want validation and people to nod their heads approvingly!

Nah, I don't give a shit if you disapprove and want to tell everyone about it. That's the point, lol. Bring all your friends to this thread to tell me how much tattoos suck, if you want. No skin off my back (ink off my skin?), etc.

Reading comprehension would be nice, though. Never said this was a "special individualistic" endeavor the way you obviously mean it. As I did say, preconceptions + confirmation bias = you.

Thou doth protest too much.

[Lagom]

Why not just get a Tee-Shirt with something funny written on it ... it'll be cheaper and at least you're not stuck with it forever.

^^^^THIS

Tattoos are trashy.  99.5% of them are horribly done.  People think they're being totally individual in getting one, but they're just joining the herd.

More overly insulting than was necessary, but I appreciate your perspective. You are completely incorrect, of course, in your implied assessment of my mentality (and probably most here who have ink), but I know tattoos are one of those things some people are very close-minded about. Usually it's a result of preconceptions combined with selection bias when observing tattooed individuals they encounter. Obviously, there are a lot of ugly tats out there, but your reasoning amounts to criticizing someone for, say, backpacking around Europe because it's a cliche and lots of people have done it.

I think what people are getting at is that it's not such a special individualistic endeavour as you want to make it out to be. We have no idea what your tattoo will be, why not show us the drawing and then we can give you a real pass/fail since isn't that why you posted here? Sure your past hesitation was completely misguided, but others are still entitled to their opinion that most tattoos suck.

Oh wait you just want validation and people to nod their heads approvingly!

Nah, I don't give a shit if you disapprove and want to tell everyone about it. That's the point, lol. Bring all your friends to this thread to tell me how much tattoos suck, if you want. No skin off my back (ink off my skin?), etc.

Reading comprehension would be nice, though. Never said this was a "special individualistic" endeavor the way you obviously mean it. As I did say, preconceptions + confirmation bias = you.

Thou doth protest too much.

You mad bro?

[PFHC]

If you subscribe to the idea of buying things that last, a tattoo is the ultimate mustachian purchase. ;)

When i travel i get ink as my souvenir. I find the best local artist ahead of time and bring home something special and unique that reminds me of my trip, but takes up no room in my luggage. Better than a series of collectable spoons or something.

I love this idea.

I worked with a mariner who was very well tattooed. A bunch of beautiful work. We talked for an hour about them and he told me the story of many them. He had tattoos from all over the world and the story behind each was very cool.

[big_slacker]

THIS http://www.salary.com/tattoos-hurt-chances-getting-job/slide/4/

...but aside from that, all a tattoo does is mark you out as a knuckle dragger

Definitely a knuckle dragger here. Tattoos, muscles, t-shirts at work, prolific cursing. And yet the signing bonuses, stock grants and options keep rollin in. I just got a promotion and a bigger office too.

The statistics are questionable in that article, but you know that. ;)

For the OP, if you'll enjoy it the rest of your life then it's money well spent. Be sure, then be really sure, then sleep on it. Then wait a week, etc. You get the point.

[Metric Mouse]

You guys are trolling right?  Tattoos are trashy or make you a knuckle dragger?  What year is it?  Do you also scold women when they show their ankles in public?  Do you admonish men for not taking off their hat indoors?  LOL.

I've heard that some young people are even moving in together before they're married! And some females WORK while their partners stay home with the children! Could you imagine? Society is caving in, and soon those tattooed knuckle draggers will be running wild through the streets of fuckin' Beaver-Cleaverville. How they make enough money to afford their piercings and tacky ankle butterflies, I'll never know. Shady means, no doubt.

[CATman]

A tattoo is like any other purchase. As long as you understand the impact it has on your financial situation and you have your shit together, then go for it. You don't need validation from anyone to get a tattoo or buy a lamborghini as long as you are aware that the purchase will have an impact o your overall finances and are making a decision that doesn't put that situation into jeopardy.

If you had no emergency fund and were getting ink instead I'd probably advise you to hold off until it's a better time, but that's really a decision for you to make. Tattoos are something that can be frivolous and not add any value to your life, but it looks like you've thought it out so I say go for it (however you don't need my approval or anyone else's from here either). Ink away my friend.

[human]

Not sure how you can claim confirmation bias when we still haven't been presented with a drawing. We can only use past horrible representations of tattoos in order to present our beliefs that most tattoos suck bad. Show us what you have planned already.

Please don't tell us you don't actually know what you want tattooed yet and you simply want one for fun . . . that will guarantee a hideous outcome.

[Metric Mouse]

Not sure how you can claim confirmation bias when we still haven't been presented with a drawing. We can only use past horrible representations of tattoos in order to present our beliefs that most tattoos suck bad. Show us what you have planned already.

Please don't tell us you don't actually know what you want tattooed yet and you simply want one for fun . . . that will guarantee a hideous outcome.

Could you provide us with a tattoo that you like? Or, since you think they all suck bad, will any design not offend your delicate sense of style?

[human]

The tattoos that I generally think are any good are usually created by the person getting and then asking the artist for a drawing. There's usually some important meaning to the wearer. I have to admit I generally think tramp stamps, shoulder blade, navel are just aweful most stomach tattoos are really bad. Blue ink jaeril house looking tatts are brutal.

If you are going to get one think it over dont get it on the shoulder or bicep and stay away from trends like little bo peep or remember tribal style? How's that working out for the poor fools that got those? Yeah I guess personal preference and all that but dont pick something off of a wall.

If you are going to do it go all out with a sleeve or all across the collar bone, and keep going.

[human]

Was going to edit spelling and punctuation but it's impossible with my phone and I hate mobile versions of forums so I always use desktop.

[fishnfool]

I only have one tattoo and it is a hawaiian fish hook which represents prosperity, safe travels over water and good luck.

I don't have a desire for anymore tats at the moment but never say never!

Aloha

[Lagom]

You guys are trolling right?  Tattoos are trashy or make you a knuckle dragger?  What year is it?  Do you also scold women when they show their ankles in public?  Do you admonish men for not taking off their hat indoors?  LOL.

I've heard that some young people are even moving in together before they're married! And some females WORK while their partners stay home with the children! Could you imagine? Society is caving in, and soon those tattooed knuckle draggers will be running wild through the streets of fuckin' Beaver-Cleaverville. How they make enough money to afford their piercings and tacky ankle butterflies, I'll never know. Shady means, no doubt.

LOL. I like you :)

There's a small but existent chance that I will "retire"/SAHD in a few years (kids would be somewhere in the elementary-middle school range) while my wife keeps working for a while. The idea of infuriating some of these folks with my knuckle dragging, tatted up, SAHD ways does add a certain relish to the idea.

Not sure how you can claim confirmation bias when we still haven't been presented with a drawing. We can only use past horrible representations of tattoos in order to present our beliefs that most tattoos suck bad. Show us what you have planned already.

Please don't tell us you don't actually know what you want tattooed yet and you simply want one for fun . . . that will guarantee a hideous outcome.

Why would I show you what I have planned when the entire point of me wanting one is because it will make me happy regardless of what some sanctimonious prude thinks of it? I will admit that in your subsequent post you seem to at least be open to the idea of someone getting a tattoo, so I guess in your case, you just assume I'm too stupid and/or unoriginal to have thought long and carefully about what I want, researched an artist, learned about placement, size, style, aftercare, etc. Heck, maybe you're right. I guess you'll never know! :D 

(however you don't need my approval or anyone else's from here either). Ink away my friend.

Thanks! :)

To be clear (again), I couldn't care less about approval. I just wanted to hear from other people who also enjoy getting tattoos despite their mustachian ways. At this point, though, I have to accept that my OP was not well worded to convey that message. C'est La Vie.

[Zikoris]

If you're planning on doing any traveling, you should be aware that in many parts of the world tattoos are strongly associated with gang membership and could cause you problems. Really only an issue if a) the tattoos are easily visible and b) if you intend to travel to such places.

If you ever intend to work again, even part time, be aware that visible tattoos can still cause you issues in getting hired, especially outside of north america.

I don't have strong opinions either way. Maybe neither of those things are relevant to you. Something to think about, anyways.

[human]

Still can't claim confirmation bias without offering new evidence. In my opinion most tattoos are terrible, come to think of it not sure how you can claim confirmation bias regarding a positio on body art at all. It's not about being a prude
It's about not liking bad tattoos which most of the pixies, flowers, angel wing, tribal tats on the lower back and on the bicep or shoulder really are.

[Digital Dogma]

I find that I am judgemental against some people with prominent eye catching tattoos, I assume they are trendy people who are strongly motivated to portray an image. Add the cost and its not appealing.

[Jaguar Paw]

The comments on this thread are moderately amusing, despite people not even trying to be funny. Impressive.

On the prospect of tattoos having an impact on getting a job:  I waited to get a real career before I got anything tattooed below a t-shirt line on my arms. After that, I decided that because I had a real job, it would be safe to get two full sleeves down to my wrists. Realistically one could get tattooed down to their wrists without it being much of an issue and wear a long sleeved shirt to work or a job interview. I always tell my younger family members to keep this in mind when thinking about getting a tattoo. For men, the ability to cover up a tattoo for a career generally cancels out hands and neck. For women wearing a dress or something to work it may cancel out arms and lower legs as well.

The point being that tons of tattoos can be covered up without anyone even knowing. Can people get judged for having tattoos? Sure. But everyone gets judged for something.

Make sure to post a photo of your tattoo! I'm looking forward to seeing it.