To be clear up front, I love photography, always have.  It was my hobby long before it was my career.

I also love acquiring new gear (many call it GAS or Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

I consider myself very fortunate in that my career necessitates buying new and better things that I used to only dream about owning.  This does mean I have to practice a huge amount of restraint when I come across a new lens, camera or accessory which promises to improve either the quality of my photos or my experience whilst taking those photos.