Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

NYT: No, You Can’t Get The Upgrade

“After years of trading up, many face the prospect of being downgraded.”

But, is that really so bad? For example, what’s the big deal about those gold and platinum cards anyway? (I’ve had them. They didn’t magically make my life easier or happier. Duh-oh!) As the article notes, “…all of these slabs of plastic do basically the same thing – help you acquire stuff.” (Indeed…12 big jeep loads to Goodwill later, my garage is magically filling up again. I “don’t buy anything.” Uh-huh.)

One of the hardest lessons to learn (in even boom times) is that none of us are entitled to the best. We may be born lucky or in the right family…but we’re not entitled. (Personally, I blame Dallas and Dynasty. We watched and thought, “Hey, if these dimwits have all this stuff, I’m entitled TOO!”)

Look – I know entitlement. As a spoiled rotten Aries only child, it’s hardwired into my brain…but…c’mon.

Back in the Go-Go 80s and early 90s – I traveled a lot. And, thanks to the miles, I routinely upgraded to first class (It was much easier back then too, since the airplanes hadn’t quite degenerated into the flying bus lines they are now.) Then I stopped traveling so much…and the first time I had to sit back with the common people, I felt downright insulted (Hey, where’s the warm nuts? Where’s my free martini? Hummpffff) But, I lived…and I got used to it.

Nope – even if the most optimistic economic projections come to pass – many of us ain’t upgrading any time soon – to a bigger house, a “better” television or fancier hotels…but, I think we’ll be just fine. As long as I’ve got coffee, vodka and in-door plumbing, I’m good, thanks.

“Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.” – Thoreau (Of course, he didn’t have a crackberry or an iPod…)

Happy Friday! If this made you grin or think a bit, drop a few bucks Habitat’s way.

Tags: Mary Schmidt, perspective