To Be F*** You Rich

We all want to be “F*** you rich.” We all want that opportunity to tell the boss off

tonight_show_with_conan_obrien.jpgMark this day down. January 12, 2010 is the day we all saw an example of someone who is “F*** you rich.”

We all want to be “F*** you rich.” We all want that opportunity to tell the boss off. We all want to demand the respect we deserve. We all want to say we know best, not he or she (I’ve had female bosses just as bad as any male boss).

We never do.

We can’t.

Our principles are fine in the abstract, but few of us have the guts to live a life ruled by principle. Principles are expensive. You can’t eat or pay the mortgage with principles.

Today Conan O’Brien lived the dream. No surprise he’s rich… but “F*** you rich!” Who knew?

Speaking of The Tonight Show he said:

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

That’s principle speaking. It doesn’t come cheap. It doesn’t make as much difference when you’re “F*** you rich.” It’s still impressive.

Fortune is fickle. It’s often bestowed on the undeserving. Not Conan. He’s the man.

I’ll bet it’s good to be “F*** you rich.”

Blogger’s note: What a wuss. I can’t even write the word, though I know you know exactly what I mean. It’s part of my upbringing in the Ozzie and Harriet 50s.

6 thoughts on “To Be F*** You Rich”

  1. I don’t know about this Geoff. I think F.U.Money means you take no regard for what people think of what you are doing. I think in reading Conan’s statement he is showing reverence for history, and believes he is standing up for what is right.

    Saying this is possible because of what he has in the bank (while true) actually kind of belittles the statement he is making.

  2. You’re not being a wuss–you are being polite. Absolutely nothing wrong with being polite…and using reasonable language.

  3. Conan is a mensch.

    Here are two Youtube clips of a high school graduation speech he gave a few years ago. The sound’s a little wonky, but it’s still worth watching. Not only is it the funniest such speech I’ve ever heard, it actually contains some good advice.

  4. Geoff,

    I am an RN and have quit two jobs on principle. I didn’t want to leave either one, but I was left with no other choice. I am not FU rich by any means, but my ethics are not for sale at any price.

    Bravo — few of us have been in the position to be able to take that stand. – Geoff Fox

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