This is a very interesting comment. At first I found myself in strong agreement with GP (believing people chasing status are probably misguided), but after reading your comment I realized that it might have to do with my current status (independently wealthy in a first world country).

In places like China or India, there is indeed a very big difference in QoL between those who have status and/or social power and those who do not.

That being said, it might be better to change your environment (and the people who you surround yourself with), because that will change your status as TFA outlines — without you having to go out of your way to change who you are and what you do.

Easier said than done when this involves changing countries, but it's a long-term strat.