FU money vs. DGAF money
I've been thinking about a distinction between FU money and what I'd call DGAF money, which I believe I recently achieved, after being in the FU money state for roughly two years.
FU money is having enough financial security that losing your job can't really threaten your finances anymore. If things get bad enough, you could just say "FU" and leave.
But there is still some vigilance in that mindset. You notice when your boss is being unreasonable, when management comes up with some pointless initiative, or when the organisation starts producing its usual nonsense. You still evaluate the situation. You are still prepared to push back and tell them "FU".
You're no longer financially dependent on the organisation, but you're still reacting to it.
DGAF money is different. It's when you're so financially and emotionally secure that you don't even feel the need to react.
Your boss starts complaining at you, management announces another pointless initiative, or some other organisational nonsense comes your way.
With FU money, you might think: "I don't need this. I could quit. FU!"
With DGAF money, it's more like: "What's that random noise I'm hearing?"
Like an insect buzzing somewhere in the room. You notice it, but you don't really care.
You might even feel some sympathy for the people generating all that nonsense. They're stressed, they have their own pressures, they still need to grind to make ends meet.
You don't have to dislike them or defeat them. The organisational BS may still affect what you do at work, but it no longer affects how you feel.