**Please note, I do swear in this one more than I ever did and I do go a tiny bit unhinged, but in a good way! ;)
Without further ado, let us set the scene! If the embedded video does not load correctly, click here to go there: https://youtu.be/6RfF--Orc-A?si=JckS2_eXjfCc4Z7b
Now, let us summarize the key points from this monologue:
- Accumulate two and a half million dollars and secure a stable living arrangement.
- Invest in a house with a 25-year roof, an indestructible safe, and allocate the rest to a system yielding three to five percent to cover taxes.
- Establish a fortress of solitude to achieve financial security and independence.
- Embrace a life philosophy centered around a position of "fuck you," enabling resistance to external pressures and frustrations.
- Highlight the importance of taking risks, emphasizing that wise decisions are made from a position of financial strength and independence.
So, so delicious! Now, let us adjust this a little bit by taking it out of the context of the movie. The man bases this on you already having the 2.5 million. Most of us do not have it. However, I believe the real message is to start moving in that direction and to slowly, carefully, covertly start exhibiting the fuck you attitude. As you are arming yourself with it and hopefully other people do it as well, you know what they say- an armed society is a polite society. So, when everyone can more easily say or exhibit a fuck you to each other, everyone is nicer to each other. Now, there are ways to achieve it with the combination of money and being so crucial in the lives and functioning of people, workplaces and organizations that you can still say fuck you in every way you want- money alone does not have to be the way to get there. :)
Now, each of us has three options at this stage; sometimes, they are based on where we are in life as a combination of the hand we have been dealt and how we played it so far. Option 1: abandon all hope of getting to that point. Option 2: start going in that direction while working on other life stuff as well. Option 3: get there or die trying type of thing. Any of these three options is fine if you understand what you gain and what you lose with each one, as there are always tradeoffs.
Now, I know some of you would say hey, why did he not mention investing that 2.5 million with leverage, becoming even richer and then he could say an even bigger fuck you?! Well, because this is not the way it works. Your money serves you; your leverage serves them! When your money is tied up in leverage, your fuck you can easily turn into fuck yourself! :(
So, how can people begin to gradually get to this position? There are stories out there that I have heard from people of all ages and backgrounds. A plumber would say his resume is the quality of the repairs he did with pipes and more, and no robot is getting that done instead of him any time soon. He works, he does some more work on the side, accumulates money, lets it grow safely and goes from there. In his line of work, tons of power. Next, TikTok is full of guys joking around they will not hire a construction worker who does not have at least one divorce or a crazy ex-gf, a few drunken bar fights behind him and so on haha! Meanwhile, you say one naughty word or one "verboten" opinion in a cubicle job and you are out! Oh, and I have a story from a teacher of mine when I was studying Business. She used to work for a major Canadian bank and her husband had a great career as well. When they bought their house, they agreed on buying only what they could carry on a single income for a while if necessary. That put both of them and especially her in such a strong position at work that, when the lack of ergonomics and other problems caused her serious chronic injuries, she was not afraid to stand up to the overlords and get what she deserved in the end. Also, she fearlessly presented herself everywhere and landed a teaching job that paid her well and she was one of the best where I studied! Now, the thing is that when she took the bank on, they did not know she had a fuck you setup at home and that she was as protected as she was. She said they thought they could mess with her. Big mistake, as it turned out! So, so delicious!
Finally, let us ask ChatGPT a thing or two. These days in Toronto Area, there are so many Digital Marketing people. Hmm, ok, let us see what ChatGPT suggests one such person should do in order to adopt the fuck you life approach:
To adopt a "fuck you" attitude at work as a digital marketing specialist, you would need a combination of skills and a certain life situation. Here's what you might consider:
1. **Financial Independence:** Having a solid financial foundation is crucial. This could include savings, investments, or passive income streams that provide a sense of security, reducing dependency on the job.
2. **Expertise in Digital Marketing:** Develop a high level of proficiency in digital marketing. This includes skills in SEO, content marketing, social media management, and paid advertising. Being an expert in your field enhances your market value and gives you leverage.
3. **Results-driven Performance:** Consistently delivering results and demonstrating the impact of your work can give you confidence and bargaining power within the organization.
4. **Negotiation Skills:** Learn negotiation techniques to confidently discuss terms, salary, and work conditions. This can help you assert your needs and preferences in the workplace.
5. **Confidence and Assertiveness:** Cultivate confidence in your abilities and be assertive in expressing your opinions and preferences. This can contribute to a strong, self-assured demeanor.
6. **Networking and Relationship Building:** Develop a strong professional network both within and outside your organization. This network can provide support, advice, and potential opportunities.
7. **Entrepreneurial Mindset:** Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, viewing your role as an integral part of the company's success. This can help you approach challenges with a strategic perspective and a sense of ownership.
8. **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated on industry trends and continuously improve your skills. This not only makes you more valuable to the organization but also increases your confidence in your abilities.
9. **Work-Life Balance:** Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Having a balanced life can contribute to a healthier mindset and the ability to make decisions without feeling overly constrained by work pressures.
Remember, adopting a "fuck you" attitude doesn't mean being disrespectful or unprofessional. It's about asserting your independence and making choices that align with your values and goals. It's important to balance this attitude with professionalism and effective communication.
Putting aside the fact that I got it to say fuck so many times, this is pretty decent. Also, please note how many things her the society and the workplace do not want you to have! This is how they want it:
-No work-life balance for you!
-Commute to the office all the time- no extra time for your continuous learning. Do it late at night, chronically lack sleep and die in a car accident or a heart attack at age 50! Gee golly, thanks so much.
-Do not act like an entrepreneur and a free agent- give your life to the company that is probably in managed decline no matter what you do!
-Maybe be sorta confident, but do not dare be assertive!
-Do not talk about every single achievement and success you have!
-Do not dare to try to be financially independent from your job or your government!
If this did not sound familiar before, it sounds familiar now. I was lucky enough a movie buff friend of mine twisted my arm to watch They Live. To be honest, that movie combined with the scene from the Gambler made me choose this topic. Check out these stills from the movie and see the movie itself if you ever get a chance. P.S. these messages are subliminal until you put the special glasses on. ;)
What conclusions can we draw from all of this? Many, I am sure. The most important one, I think, is that the fuck you way is the middle way. When presented with strong forces around you, you must know they will always try to overstep their bounds at your expense. As long as we are alive, we must strive towards getting into a position where it is very difficult for those forces to do that to you, such that it is not worth it for them to try. Now, will 2.5 million, a strong affordable house and a Honda Civic plus safe investments do it for you? Or, wherever you are in 2024, is there a version of that which will achieve the same effect for you? I am sure there is, and it is a good idea to look for it.
Wishing you a great weekend. Until next time, Mwah! :)