But status is affected by subcultures; if I spend 6-months learning how to write an NES emulator or speed-running N64 GoldenEye or reaching 2200 elo in chess -- I'll get status from a small group of gaming enthusiasts but in the larger context its (probably) not a good use of my time.
For example, I got a double major in unrelated fields (I was ambitious and wanted to signal how smart I was), but it would have been better had gotten straight A's and masters degree (a double-major only impresses 1st-year undergrads; in the larger context of academic status, its irrelevant).
It would also teach my younger self about counter-signaling in the status game https://host.kelley.iu.edu/riharbau/cs-randfinal.pdf
Also not too much alcohol and HIIT fitness.