Tina Fey Admits She Judges ‘Rich People’ with Side Hustles: ‘I Kind of Hate Money’

In a candid conversation on the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast, renowned actress and comedian Tina Fey revealed her thoughts on wealthy individuals who pursue side hustles. Known for her iconic roles in “Mean Girls” and “30 Rock,” Fey expressed her disdain for the practice, stating, “I have a problem with rich people having a side hustle.” Her comments provoked plenty of discussion, especially regarding the motivations behind pursuing extra income when one is already financially secure.
Understanding Fey’s Perspective on Wealth

Tina Fey’s statements, despite coming from someone with an estimated net worth of $75 million, reflect a complex relationship with money. She elaborated on her feelings during the podcast’s engaging dialogue, explaining, “I kind of hate money.” To Fey, the pursuit of wealth has become uninteresting and rather trivial, especially for those who have already achieved substantial financial stability. She suggested that her indifference towards monetary gain stems from an innate belief that enough wealth for security is all that one should desire.
This perspective challenges the prevalent societal norms that equate success with accumulation of wealth and multiple income streams. In recent years, the concept of side hustles has been embraced, particularly by younger generations like Gen Z, who often juggle several projects to ensure financial flexibility and stability. Fey’s comments invite listeners to rethink the motivations behind such endeavors, particularly for those who do not face economic stress.
A Shift in Generational Attitudes

During the podcast, Amy Poehler encouraged Fey to reconsider her stance, emphasizing the evolving attitudes of younger individuals towards work and income. Many millennials and Gen Z members view side hustles as an essential part of their financial strategy, often pursuing passions outside their primary job to create additional revenue. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift where work is not merely about making a living but also about finding purpose and fulfillment.
Fey’s viewpoint stands in stark contrast to this emerging mindset. She expressed skepticism toward the ambitions of wealthy individuals seeking more through side ventures, questioning the ethical implications of such pursuits. The dialogue between Fey and Poehler illustrated how deeply ingrained norms about wealth and work can vary dramatically across generations, prompting a reflection on what motivates people to engage in various work ventures.
The Personal Connection to Wealth

Fey’s relationship with money is more nuanced than simply disdain; she has recognized the societal pressures surrounding wealth and the misconceptions that come with it. Her desire to maintain a sensible approach to finances has kept her grounded in a world that often glamorizes extreme wealth accumulation. By stating that she is not wasteful but also lacks motivation for wealth accumulation, Fey highlights a balance many struggle to find.
This reveals an important conversation about the nature of wealth itself: how it shapes identity, values, and priorities. Fey’s perspective resonates with many who feel that accumulating material wealth does not correlate with happiness or fulfillment. The discussion underscores a growing need to redefine success beyond financial metrics, urging society to reassess what truly makes life rewarding.

Tina Fey’s blunt observations about wealthy individuals engaged in side hustles serve as a thought-provoking commentary on societal perspectives regarding money and work. By harnessing this dialogue, we can gain insight into the pressures of financial prosperity and the evolving attitudes towards multiple income streams. As we navigate these complexities, it’s essential to foster conversations around wealth, success, and fulfillment.
If you’re interested in further exploring these themes, stay tuned for more discussions that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire a reevaluation of our values.