Everyone that does something in life that they are passionate about they find themselves
investing in all of the equipment that is required to do that thing correctly. It doesn't matter whether it is work related or a hobby. For those that are looking on the outside and watching people spend money on these things might think it is a little crazy, but when you get into things you start to really understand.
My brother-in-law decided just over a year ago to start running. He started out just using what he had in his home and then he broadened out to purchase some clothes to run in. Then he got the special water bottles and other things that he needed. His wife was struggling with all of the money he was spending on it, but he loved it. Then one day he came home and had purchased these specialty shoes that look like socks and go over every single toe. She was really surprised by the purchase. Over the year she has become a big supporter as he has shown his love of running and how the equipment has helped him progress.
Then I look at my brother who has a love and big interest in his job. He is into HVAC and has done it for over fifteen years. When he started he got by with the bare bones of tools and then as the years have gone by he has collected several more tools. One day his van was broke into and when they pulled all of the receipts and evaluated what his value of tools were they found that he had over $5000 of tools. It was amazing to think about all of his tools, but he is the most valued employee and everyone calls on him to come and help them with their HVAC. He feels that his tools are a great asset and increase his value as an employee.
Over the last couple of years my husband has expressed interest in golfing. I thought that if we purchased a few basic things that he would be set and that he could rent what he didn't have. He kept telling me that he needed his own things. He started out with his own set of golf clubs. Each year he has collected a few more things and his latest request is golf shoes. He is getting more and more excited about golfing and how can you hold him back from something that he wants to be better at.