Dealing with people that are doing better than you are...
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
April 13, 2016 11:47pm CST
Feeling a bit down on myself this evening. Not sure exactly why, as I am 25. Have a place of my own. A good paying job that makes an impact on my community. A small but growing savings account.
YET - I hear from these folks I went to high school and middle school with who are doing amazing things: traveling around the world, working top-notch jobs, constantly vacationing and so forth - and I feel....well, I guess jealous is the world. They are the same age as me, went to the same high school classes as me, but are suddenly big-wigs in this world - and I am small fish.
One example is this gal I used to be friends with who now works for a major media or electronic company as an engineer of some sort. She makes six figures and travels all around, home base being in California after they asked her to move from the midwest for the job. She was always very smart and creative, although I have no idea what kind of education she got after high school. How on earth do you not feel inadequate about that?
I don't feel jealous or inadequate like this often. But after speaking to people who are clearly much more successful than you are....It kind of begs the question - what did I do wrong? Do you know what I mean?
5 people like this
9 responses
@Teep11 (7673)
• United States
14 Apr 16
We should feel good about ourselves no matter where we are in life. Making lots of money is a blessing but there's more to life. What's being done with the blessings? Is there any giving coming out the high paying job? Everyone is different and some may love what they're doing and not focus so much on the money.
1 person likes this
@quantum2020 (12041)
• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico
14 Apr 16
It´s normal to have mixed emotions when you hear someone talking about success in life! The best thing one can do is be understanding and hope that if you ever come across success and money, you´ll be able to remain in the high class level and social status! And and also be able to handle your social status without disrupting old friend´s daily lives!
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
14 Apr 16
Of course people tell you the great part of their lives.
They will not tell you the part that they hate, unless you are very closed to them.
Many high fliers ultimately get tried of the kind of life they have, and they quit to volunteer in some third world countries.
Many high fliers no longer can find a job after their 40s when their companies get rid of them, as if they are used tissue papers.
@LdeL0318 (6400)
• Philippines
14 Apr 16
Yeah I know how you fee. I sometimes feel that way too. But instead of focusing on what others have that we don't we should just look at how we are blessed compared to others.
@grvdubey11 (1879)
• India
14 Apr 16
It all comes down to how satisfied someone is. For some people life is great is they get food daily and basic amenities like housing, good schooling etc while some wont get satisfied even if they own a private plane. However thinking about people who are more successful is good it inspires us to do better.
@grvdubey11 (1879)
• India
14 Apr 16
@maezee You are already on the right path to do better as you are acknowledging that someone is better than you. There are very few people who accept that someone is better than them at something. Most people develop a virtual reality in their subconscious in which they are kings and queens of the world and consider themselves as best. This impedes their progress in attaining maturity and rationality in thinking. I listened to an interview of great director David Lynch, he narrated one interesting event of his life. When he was young , he got dumped by his girlfriend for another guy, instead of getting upset he thought that other person must be doing something right that his girl chose that guy over him. So he sat with that guy to figure out what went wrong. That is how someone can improve, by being down to earth and spending more time with people who are more successful than them thereby finally figuring out what that other person is doing right and he/she is not. Pardon my poor English, cheers.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
14 Apr 16
we've all our own paths to follow 'n ya should feel proud'f yer own accomplishments. whilst some'f yer peers're runnin' all o'er the country, yer takin' care'f the folks that surround'ja. to me, that's worth more'n anythin'.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
14 Apr 16
@maezee yer welcome :D don't e'er let'cher self feel discounted, k? what'cha do's important 'n we've all our own degree'f what we consider success.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
14 Apr 16
I hope my discussion didn't bring you down.
You should be proud of your achievements! It might not be as great as that other gal, but think about your journey. And how far you've come. I could certainly attest to this!
I'm sure your day would come -- and you'll soon be the one posting about your next high paying job, your vacations, etc.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
14 Apr 16
Yours didn't at all - it was rather this cheery Facebook conversation I had with this gal I hadn't talked to in years. Wish I wouldn't have logged on at that time. I just feel like it's hard to avoid thinking about the "what if...'s" in life? Oh no, I am also getting existential!!! Maybe it is contagious after all....
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
14 Apr 16
You're star will shine in God's perfect time. They might have more material things right now but are you sure they are contented or happy? Just take it easy and enjoy life.
@karjatwala (1120)
• Pune, India
16 Apr 16
Be thankful for all what you have and try to learn from those who are more successful than you.
