7 behaviors status-obsessed people start showing once they start making more money

I’ve often heard it said that money changes people. Others say no, it doesn’t—it simply reveals whom they’ve always been.

I’m not entirely sure there’s only one truth, but I do know this: once the paychecks start climbing, certain folks show a side of themselves that was never quite visible before.

Some become more generous and supportive—others? Not so much.

They start adopting behaviors that practically scream, “Look at me now!”

And as much as I appreciate the hustle, there’s a real difference between celebrating your success and letting your bank balance redefine your entire personality.

Here are a few telltale signs that appear when someone becomes overly obsessed with status as their income grows.

1. They start dropping big names

The moment I hear someone casually mention, “I was just on a call with Elon’s team,” or “I’ll check with my buddy who’s a Fortune 500 VP,” my ears perk up.

Now, in some cases, these connections are real and relevant. But in many scenarios, it’s more about flexing social standing than providing meaningful context.

Name-dropping, in moderation, might stem from genuine excitement or legitimate business updates. 

But when it becomes a routine part of every conversation—especially right after a financial windfall—you have to wonder if the person is just trying to earn instant credibility. 

It’s like they believe their worth hinges on who they know, rather than who they are or what they bring to the table.

2. They flash high-end brands

I’ve got nothing against quality goods. In fact, I’m a fan of well-made items that last forever (and I love a slick smartphone as much as anyone).

But there’s a difference between appreciating craftsmanship and turning your wardrobe into a walking billboard of designer logos.

Sociologist Thorstein Veblen famously coined the term “conspicuous consumption,” describing how some people openly display wealth to elevate their social status.

It’s one thing to invest in a nice suit for important business meetings, but if every social media post starts featuring yet another new luxury item, it can signal an obsession with how others perceive you, rather than a passion for the products themselves.

3. They overhaul their social circles

Money can expand your opportunities, and that often means meeting new people in your industry.

I’ve witnessed friends who suddenly found financial success and began diving into new circles—CEO clubs, exclusive mastermind groups, and high-ticket networking events.

Nothing inherently wrong with that; I’ve done it too, especially when I wanted to connect with mentors who could push me to the next level.

But if your old friends are suddenly left on “seen,” or you’re too busy to show up at family gatherings unless there’s someone influential in the room, that’s a red flag.

Maintaining relationships isn’t always about personal gain. True connections don’t disappear the moment you’ve got a bigger bank balance.

It’s okay to make new friends as your horizons widen, but discarding the old ones just because they don’t fit your “upgraded” image? That’s a telling sign of status obsession.

4. They show off on social media

If there’s one modern platform for peacocking, it’s social media. It’s especially amplified once someone starts earning more.

Suddenly, they’re flooding their feeds with high-end dinners, fancy vacations, and business-class flights.

Sure, posting an occasional highlight or sharing achievements is totally normal—celebrating wins can inspire others.

Yet, there’s a fine line between celebrating and gloating.  

So, if every move is broadcast under the banner of #LivingMyBestLife, it might be more about feeding the ego than genuinely sharing life’s moments.

5. They dismiss “small” expenses

Ever seen someone who refuses to tip properly or sneers at taking public transportation even when it’s the most practical option?

I’ve observed how some newly flush individuals develop a sudden distaste for anything they perceive as “beneath” them. They start to openly mock budget-friendly choices—even if those choices make total sense.

This shift is often rooted in wanting to appear “above the common folk.” It’s a weird irony, because being smart with money often means knowing that small expenses can add up to big savings.

Plenty of high-profile billionaires still talk proudly about frugality (Warren Buffett, for instance, is known to drive the same car for years and live in the same home he bought decades ago).

When someone won’t even let you mention coupons or cost-efficient solutions without rolling their eyes, it’s a strong indication their new wealth has gone to their head.

6. They talk down to others

Sometimes, that bigger paycheck comes bundled with condescension. 

For instance, a friend or colleague who used to be respectful now starts using phrases like, “Well, you just don’t understand the complexities of this industry,” or, “That’s such a small-time move.” 

They begin to see themselves as inherently superior, rather than just someone who’s enjoying a financial upswing.

The need to flaunt that “superiority” by dismissing other people’s ideas or experiences is a bright neon sign of inflated ego.

7. They get consumed by comparisons

Even with more money, some folks just can’t be satisfied. Instead, they fixate on how others are doing, who’s driving a nicer car, or who vacationed in a more exotic location.

I’ve had conversations where people couldn’t even celebrate their own milestones because they were too busy analyzing how their success stacked up against someone else’s.

Unfortunately, comparison is a quick way to trap yourself in an endless cycle of discontent. 

You upgrade to a bigger house—someone else has an even bigger one.

You buy a luxury SUV—someone else has a limited-edition model.

And the irony of it is, the more you do it, the unhappier you become. 

As psychologist Brené Brown has said, “Stay in your own lane. Comparison kills creativity and joy.”

When financial success morphs from a personal win into a relentless measuring contest, it’s no longer about growth; it’s about projecting superiority.

Wrapping up

Don’t get me wrong – I believe it’s perfectly okay to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I’ve treated myself to nicer experiences once I could afford them.

But there’s a fine balance between celebrating success and letting it define your identity.

When your sense of self is tied entirely to those outward signs of wealth, you risk building a lifestyle based on fragile external validation.

In my experience, the people who truly thrive—in business and in life—are those who stay humble, keep grounded in their values, and remember that relationships and character will always outshine flashy status symbols in the long run.

Until next time, friends.