It is supposed to be; but it is not. Life is queer with its twists and turns, many a failure turns about, when one might have won had one stuck it out; don't give up though the pace seems slow. You might succeed with another blow.
I don't think life is "supposed" to be stressfree. Stress is part of life. So anxiety and sadness and regret. There is also joy and blessings. We have to be mindful of our blessings.