Unemployed Man ‘Bought Off’ By Parents For Staggering $250K – But There’s Just One Catch

An unemployed man is reportedly set to receive a staggering windfall from his parents. So, he took to social media for money management suggestions. On Feb. 23, the man whose real name was not disclosed, shared a lengthy post on Reddit under the username “OptimalControl.” Apparently, his parents have made him a sizable offer – $250,000 to be exact. Since he’s unemployed, most would assume his parents are giving him the money because he’s probably facing financial difficulties.

However, that’s not exactly the case. Surprisingly, he insists they “bought him off,” and it’ll be his money free and clear, but there’s just one catch – they are demanding that he never contacts them again! He also revealed his parents gave him a deadline to move out of their home. He has one month to get lost! Here’s the full Reddit post, which explains the series of events that led to his seemingly odd windfall.

I’ll get straight to the point.

Short version:

I’ve been “bought off” by my parents. They told me I am no longer welcome to live with them, and I guess in some sort of twisted way of not feeling bad about it, they are giving me $250,000 to not contact them ever again.

I don’t know anything about investments, and I’m unemployed (but actively looking for a job, I have an economics degree from a decent university) and I want to know how to best manage that money so I don’t lose it and I get some return on it for the future.

Long version:

Growing up I was always somewhat the “lost cause” since my brother was better than me at everything. It doesn’t mean I did bad, I was just a little above average while he was always the best at everything; academia, sports, social life, you name it. I don’t know why but my parents seemed to always be ashamed of me. I didn’t get into trouble, I was a quiet kid, I did what I had to do and I tried not to get in anyone’s way. The comparisons were always there though, I don’t even know why but that’s the way it is.

I don’t understand why anyone would want to do that, I used to blame myself for it when I was younger but I know it’s not my fault now. Almost 3 years ago my brother was in an accident and after being in a coma for 27 days he passed away. Things didn’t get any better after this, and if anything, the comparisons only increased. I never wanted to cause any trouble but I just couldn’t take it anymore and eventually I couldn’t put up with the abuse any longer.

I didn’t do anything radical, I just started talking back and standing up for myself. I had moved away for college and the problems eased up a bit while I was away, but I had to come back home to look for a job last year when I finished college because (ironically) I didn’t want to ask for any money. I’ve been looking for a job for months, without much luck. I’ve been to interviews, assessment centers and what not, but I haven’t managed to get a job yet. Last week my parents told me I have a month to move out and not contact them again.”

Of course, many readers insist his story has holes, because it only depicts one side of the situation. Most Redditors find it quite odd that his parents want absolutely nothing to do with him. Others have also questioned why they are making such an effort to distance themselves from him. He has yet to reveal what he plans to do with the staggering monetary “gift.”

What do you think about the man being “bought off” by his parents? Would you take the money? Share your thoughts.

[Photo by George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images]