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by glenmorangie_14 1931 days ago
I'm not sure I agree with the author about FU money not equaling FIRE money. I've always thought FU levels of money let you say FU at a level that could hurt your career, not at a level that could only hurt your job.

I've got a healthy savings account, but I couldn't say FU to my boss because I'm not sure how that would affect me getting another job.

5 comments

> I've got a healthy savings account, but I couldn't say FU to my boss because I'm not sure how that would affect me getting another job.

You don't have to literally say "FUCK YOU!" to your boss and storm out - sure, that _might_ effect your future job prospects (but then again, maybe not). Instead you can say "I would prefer not to" and give 2 weeks notice. Doubtful that would effect your future job prospects. If you're worried about your current boss giving you a good reference there are other people (co-workers, previous managers) who can do that if s/he is unlikely to do so.

Yes, perhaps it should be a different term. How about "No thanks" money?
Yeah I think the authors reference to ‘no thanks’ money is closer to the mark. Just enough to remove the fear of saying no but not burning bridges on your way out.
Burning bridges is always a bad idea. You never know when your fortunes might shift. There is no such thing as a risk-free investment. If actual risk doesn't get you, inflation will.
You don't have to literally say "fuck you" to the boss. I just told them I was quitting. The project was delayed another 6 months (which meant 18 total) and I was miserable, clearly I wasn't productive anymore. I was even honest about it when they asked my plan, "I have enough money and assets to last 2-4 years right now depending on how frugal I am. I'm going to sell or give away everything in my apartment, my lease is up next month, and I'll buy a ticket to Spain and start there." (I ended up getting another job instead, no regrets as it turned out well.)

I was nowhere near FIRE, but I had enough money I didn't have to stay in a bad or undesirable situation.

Sounds like a needlessly expensive standard. It is not that hard to quit without destroying your career.

Personally, I am satisfied with two weeks notice money.