You need not be a social climber to seek a better life. It’s human nature to want to improve our standing among others and in society as a whole. Here are some tried and true methods for ramping up your community standing in honest, productive, and ethical ways.
Get a Career Oriented Job
There’s nothing wrong with flipping burgers, answering phones or running errands. We all started out somewhere. Eventually, your long-term instincts will kick in and lead you to search for a career rather than just a job. This is a sign of growth and personal maturity. Welcome the urge and act on it. Don’t quit your day gig yet, though. Focus on creating a solid resume and making a few contacts before you venture out to in-person interviews for your new career.
Obtain an Advanced Degree
A degree gives you instant status. Maybe that’s why it seems like everyone who lacks a college diploma in is search of one. Get your undergraduate or master’s degree by taking out a student loan and earning a diploma as soon as possible. Student loans allow you to attend school without having to hold down a full-time job to finance your education, not to mention avoiding losing sleep over how you’re going to pay for school. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of competitive interest rates.
Improve Your Credit Score
Pay your credit card debt down as much as possible, be an on-time bill payer, and routinely check your credit scores. Those three things will go a long way toward ramping up your creditworthiness in the eyes of major and minor lenders. It will be easier, and cheaper in terms of interest rates, to purchase a car, a home, or any other major item you need. Better credit ratings lead to improved community status.
Owning your own home puts you on the financial map in today’s score-obsessed world. If you’re currently renting an apartment or leasing a house, consider doing the necessary work to bring your bureau scores high enough to qualify for a home loan. Eventually, you’ll likely have a nicer place to live, pay out less on your monthly mortgage than you’re currently paying in rent, and build equity each passing year.
Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering for local charities and causes does two key things for you. First, it makes you more visible among your neighbors. Second, you’ll make valuable business contacts and expand your social network. Remember, social status isn’t about owning a mansion or being a millionaire, it’s about being a known and respected member of your community. Being financially stable, rather than wealthy, is enough to confer social status upon anyone who works hard, contributes to local causes, and follows society’s rules.
Join a Local Sports Club
A fun and easy way to gain an additional burst of social recognition is to join or manage a community sports team. Whatever you enjoy is usually a good place to start, so join a bowling league, softball team, adult swim club, or whatever will help you socialize with people in your city, town, or community.
