Any American Gangster fans out there? One of my all time favourite movies and quotes.
Personally, I’m a big believer in the idea of “work hard in silence and let your success speak for you” but I was recently reminded that not everyone agrees, so please read my personal anecdote and share your thoughts.
This past weekend I bumped into some friends from high school who I haven’t seen in almost 10 years. They were in town for a basketball game, I saw a social media post about it, sent an fb message and the rest is history. We ended up getting together for drinks before their game and the whole “how’ve you been, where did life take you” conversation ensued.
As someone in their late 20s, the majority of my friends are either now just beginning to think about, or actively purchasing their first homes. One of my friends told me his long-time gf and he are considering tying the know and buying their first home, but together only qualified for a $700K mortgage, and though that’s their maximum spend the financial implications would be unaffordable, so realistically they couldn’t even afford that.
For the Americans reading, I should mention that in Canada, Vancouver and Toronto are the two most intense real estate markets, and 700K will get you a small condo, but certainly not the kind of home you’d want to raise a family in. The markets aren’t at the level of SF or NYC, but have now outstripped Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami, LA, in demand, cost-per-capita and buying power for locals.
Eventually, the conversation moved to my career and what sales has made possible, and by the end of the night I was fielding questions about why I don’t drive a Porsche or wear a Rolex.
As a self-proclaimed, die-hard “car guy” who used to drive a Corolla by choice, you’d never catch me dead in Gucci or Versace. If I buy expensive clothing (and I do) it’s always understated, and I prioritize quality over cosmetic appeal. I apply the same rationale to most of what I do. I live an extremely comfortable life by any measure, and I never hesitate to invest in my own well- being, but I never do so for attention. I go out of my way not to be noticed. I’m more focused on building an empire, and I’ll consider owning a Porsche or 3 when my income is 7 or 8 figures.
That’s my take anyway. But my friends were shocked that someone could want to be successful and not want to flaunt their success at the same time, and so I ask you savages. Who’s right, and who’s wrong? Is there a right and a wrong?
What’s your take on success/wealth and the exhibition of it?
27 comments