Bonnie Brown is a massage therapist. She was one of the first people hired at Google and recently cashed in her generous options to become one of the super rich.

Now that she is very wealthy, she talks about the Sudden Wealth Syndrome. In a recent interview she says SWS is difficult to handle on your own and the ex-Googlers have a support group that is very useful;

What’s SWS?

Sudden Wealth Syndrome. Don’t laugh, it’s a serious issue.

What are the symptoms?

Not fitting in. Having no one to play with. Feeling unuseful. Guilt.

So how do you “treat” SWS?

I give. That helps. And just knowing others are experiencing the same feelings, makes you feel a little less nuts.

Did you find yourself having a lot of new “friends” after 2005? That’s when you were able to sell stock right?

Luckily, I have always been rich with friends. But sadly, some people have a hard time adjusting to you when they perceive that you are suddenly wealthy.

I have new business “opportunities” often. ;)