I made the biggest purchase of my life when I was 26 years old. It was a fancy condo in the East Village of New York City. And a tale of two cities. It was 585 square feet (“worst of times”) and had a sexy pool on the roof (“best of times”). I won’t share [what oversized closets were selling for]() nearly two decades ago. But I was single. And I had bought access to a rooftop pool. This was going to be a crowd pleaser with the ladies. (Turns out I met Lisa a few months later… she found it douche-y.) And it turns out status symbols can change with time. ![Blog post image](/images/blog/Screenshot-2024-06-18-at-9.48.31 AM.png)[Via @mikekarnj]() ## New to RadReads? Hi, I’m Khe Hy. A decade ago [I quit my 7-figure job on Wall Street]() to become a writer. I explore topics like [money](), [happiness](), [ambition](), [relationships](), [productivity]() and [more](). I also host [The Examined Life Podcast]() where I explore life’s thorniest questions with a different guest each week. My newsletter is the best way to experience my work. Sign up here: ## Status is everywhere Status is such [a fascinating construct of human behavior.]() Whether it’s an NPR tote, a Panerai watch or Let’s Go Brandon lawn sign, status is a bat signal to your “in group.” ![Blog post image](/images/blog/image-4.png)The actual pool in the East Village Now when I look at this list, I’ll be honest: I strive to have most of the items on this list. (I’d say, the list is missing [six-pack abs.]()) I’ll take it a step further. In a subtle-but-not-so-discrete way, I’ll show that I possess these status symbols in my podcasts, videos and social media posts. Status is a powerful drug! Clearly, that’s not healthy behavior. ## The leaky bucket > “Nothing on the outside is ever going to [fill the hole we have on the inside.]()“ One of the challenges faced by ambitious over-achievers is that [they collect achievements]() (and __status symbols__) to make them feel good about themselves. And we’re [so damn competitive]() that it always feels good to win. But what if chasing status symbols – both old and new – is a path to dissatisfaction? Is the pursuit of status symbols an avoidance technique? And instead, you should question your dysfunctional beliefs about [success](), [self-worth](), and [achievement](). Instead of doing an extra set of crunches, maybe I should learn to embrace uncomfortable emotions (like sadness, fear and anger) without resorting to my trusted coping mechanisms (like [booze](), [fitness]() and [work]()). And maybe I should spend more time deeply contemplating and clarifying my values – and taking committed action towards a life well-lived. ## Our most popular posts: * [It’s ok to take a walk without headphones]() * [Why really rich people still worry (about money)]() * [One day, you’re no longer their favorite person]() * [The joy of leaving money on the table]() * [And one of my personal favorites…]() ## Status misses the big picture What irked me most about this tweet (and my own status-seeking behaviour) is the massive egocentricity. I mean, let’s be honest – the pursuit of washboard abs promotes a very self-centered view of success and fulfillment. (Also, see what I just did there 👆) Furthermore, this list of __new status symbols__ is missing one key value: [serving others.]() And as we plunge deeper into self-obsession, are we neglecting our duties and responsibilities to our community and fellow humans? And are we leaving the world better off than we found it? ## Are you a high-earner going through a career transition? Find purpose, navigate money scarcity and reimagine ambition with our Group Coaching program. [Apply today]()