If you’ve never heard of FU money, you’re in the right place. FU money (or Fuck You money), is a liquid amount of money set aside for you to be comfortable enough such that, should the occasion arise, you are empowered to say “Fuck you” to your boss, and walk out.
Now, in researching for this post (literally 5 minutes of googling around), I have found many blog posts espousing the benefits of having FU money, because it provides you with the freedom to leave toxic people and toxic workplaces.
But I would like to suggest another side benefit of having FU money set aside.
FU money makes you a better employee
How many times have you had this feeling at work?
- You have a great idea at the workplace, but you know the boss is a “my way or the highway” type, and so you keep quiet about it.
- There’s layers of red tape and bureaucracy at work, which hampers innovation and speed to market. You’re frustrated, but think “well, it is what it is” and trudge along.
- You have a toxic boss you can’t get along with. You can’t voice out cos it’ll make your life difficult. It’s tough to switch departments cos it will be awkward. You feel miserable at work.
With FU money, these are suddenly no longer problems. You are free from the shackles of the paycheck, and can make your opinions known, for better or worse.
If the company has a positive reaction to your opinion, your work environment improves. If not, you now hold various options open to you that you wouldn’t have, if you were beholden to a monthly salary.
Having FU money, also ultimately aligns your personal goals and values to the company you’re working at, because otherwise, you wouldn’t be there. Being aligned with your company then makes you more productive at work, since you believe in the cause and the spirit of the company.
At the end of the day, Fuck You money helps you not just in leaving an unsuitable workplace, but can actively help guide you to one, where you can excel and shine at.
Do you think this is true?