Keeping up with the Joneses is something that contributes to a lot of people’s drowning in debt. Even though it is a violation of the Tenth Commandment, people still want the things that other people have. Appearances are everything. If someone else appears to have it all, others want it too. Unfortunately, we can only see what’s on the outside. We are not privy to what goes on in other people’s bedrooms or the state of the bills that arrive in other people’s mailboxes.
I want success and wealth as much as the next person. Maybe not wealth so much as comfort and a life free of debt. I am not, however, taking steps to make that happen outside of our normal daily work and life. I love to watch TV to escape in the riches of others. I think about the stars of shows, who I know are making exorbitant amounts of money, and wonder what fraction of that the co-stars get. Are they grateful for their riches or are they overcome with their own selves and a sense of entitlement?
I guess having it all isn’t enough for some people. If I were the star of the number one sitcom on television and were the highest paid sitcom actor, I’m sure I wouldn’t want to upset the apple cart and have it all come crumbling down. Charlie Sheen lives in his own reality, though, where he can show up to work when and how he likes, bad mouth his employers, and demand a million-dollar an episode raise.
I think I’ll ask my boss for a raise too. I don’t think an increase for foster parents is planned, though. The state is in a fiscal crisis and many school districts are talking about laying off teachers. I’ll continue to appreciate what I have instead.