I think that broadly you're right that few people are going to be your friend solely because of your external achievements and/or status (and you really don't w

I think that broadly you're right that few people are going to be your friend solely because of your external achievements and/or status (and you really don't want to be close with anyone for whom that is the case). At the same time, while this certainly will vary person to person, I also think that it's naive to think that status has little effect. The influence of status often operates at an unconscious level so is difficult to pin down. In the context of this article, I will say from experience that status limbo is a hard place to occupy for a long time. You often find yourself having to explain yourself when you aren't following the traditional path. It can feel alienating, particularly when you have resources that allow you to follow your inner calling that others do not. It also can be difficult to accept the ego hit that can be felt when moving from a space where you were a high achiever to one in which you are not. But also as the article says, there are many rewards if you can tolerate and persevere through the discomfort.