W I I I F M ?

by Thomas Sim, 15 Jul, 2001

This is a acronym for 'What Is In It For Me?'.

Notably, that is the economic factor that drives the capitalist world. It also reflects our egoism and selfishness. Do you a favour? Who is to do me a favour, eh?

Simply put, every single component of the distribution web is adding on cost to the final price tag. No WIIIFM, no talk!

Again, we are not disputing the capitalist system. It's not the system, it's the people that matters. We tend to follow rather than lead the change, for we are largely resistant to change. This discussion is about WIIIFM in a relationship.

The VJ in the radio show asked the interviewee whom he would choose to celebrate Father's day with; his father or his own children. The answer was with his children. The reason that he gave was he felt closer with his kids than to his father.

The older generation didn't have the closeness of father and son. In our world, father takes part in looking after the children while wife make a living in the corporate world. It is no surprise that at times wives make more than their hubbies.

This is a paradigm shift in our culture and it is a lot more to do with the economic structure of the family unit than our feelings. It is a test on WIIIFM, that relationship has changed. My wife has a bigger role to play now in the earning power of the family unit. I would be better off by employing a maid than leaving my wife to take care of the household. That is what is in it for me. I have a cumulative higher income and thus able to face up with demands of the society.

Do you have a choice? Yes, you do! However, would you do what most people wouldn't do? No, for that is a compromise to your standard of living. A sacrifice which there is a price to pay - economically - a negative WIIIFM!

The scenario would be that husbands give in to the wives (sound realistic?), or wives give in to husbands (sound unrealistic now?). In most cases in a relationship when a 'cost' factor lies on, that is when the WIIIFM question is asked. I 'give in' so that I will get a benefit after all. Economic pressure is coming to our relationship before we even know about it.

Is there anything in life when there is no WIIIFM?

Answer 1: Yes, when there is no WIIIFM, it is love! Or instead, a government legislation or plain stupidity!

Answer 2: That is against capitalism! You don't progress and just won't work!

Answer 3: Sadly, it too, is true from the theory of conservation of energy that says: You can't get something out of nothing! And thus 'you can't have nothing out of doing something'.