If I were rich, the only thing I would do differently is to tell people what I really think (when asked for an opinion) rather than tell them what I think they want to hear.
There's nothing wrong with being civil, at any income. Being a dick just because you can makes you (wait for it) -- a dick. I mean, if that's your ambition, by all means, go for it.
The reason I asked though, is that I personally wouldn't want to work with someone who told me 'what I wanted to hear' just because they were dependent on me. You should be able to express your thoughts at any income level, but yeah, there's an art to how that message can be delivered.
"I think we need to rewrite module x. It's too slow."
"Fuck you boss man. Rewrite your own damn module. I'm going to rewrite module Y, which is REALLY the slow one." - makes you a dick.
"We'd probably get more bang for the buck by rewriting module Y first. I think that's where the performance issues really are. After that, why don't we see where we stand?" - is an honest answer, and scores you points.
"Yes sir master boss man sir. I will rewrite module X all day long." is 'what they want to hear', and also, a completely worthless answer.
The point being, having a valid opinion isn't a luxury of the rich. Being able to say 'fuck off' might be, but unless you're independently wealthy, you likely still have customers, or board executives, or SOMEbody that warrants being civil to. There's no value in being a dick for the sake of it.
If it seems like I'm coming down hard on you, don't. I'm just saying what I feel. Also, I'm not even remotely rich. I could have misinterpreted the situation entirely.
