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Does anyone else do this and end up feeling like a failure in life?
I went to a magnet high school, one of the top schools in the country.
But I was never an overachiever type. I've always worked the maximum hours legal since I was 13 so that I could move out as soon as possible (abusive mother), so all I cared about back then was saving up money, graduating and going to the least expensive accredited university to avoid student loans. So I moved out at 17, permanently cut ties from my family, and graduated from a state university with a decent degree. I held full-time jobs throughout, and now have a nice cushy tech job at a good company, but it's not Google or Facebook caliber. I'm married, we have no debt, and we're enjoying life while saving up a good amount of money. I've been able to travel abroad extensively (something I always valued).
I'm 24, and for my age, I'm doing OK in life so far. I'm pretty happy, and I know there are many people in worse situations, so I shouldn't complain.
But then I googled my former classmates, and it seems like they've all gone on to Harvard or other Ivies, going to prestigious business schools, and working at prestigious companies like Google or media companies. And they've all seemed to hold a ton of different leadership roles throughout. They all seem so powerful and perfect and are extremely high achievers.
I know it's pretty "first world problems", but I can't help envying their success and feeling mediocre in comparison. I'm kicking myself for not achieving more academically when I was in high school.
Anyone else relate to this feeling when they Google their former classmates?
Last edited by ohhwanderlust; 09-03-2015 at 12:26 PM..
You need to re-read your post as if you are reading about someone else. Wouldnt you think, wow, look at this dude. Working since he was 13, graduated a university with no loans, had full time jobs, now has a nice cushy tech job. Married, no debt, saving money, traveling abroad. He's only 24.
Wow, look at this dude! Do you know how many people would give their left nut to be in your position??? How in the world do you envy others when you are where you are now....at 24??? Now if you were living under a bridge then yeah, Id be a little envious. Your classmates have nothing on you. Nothing.
Actually, when I google my classmates from high school, I end up feeling a bit smugly superior. Many of them never left the county and are basically living their lives in a rut, just plodding along.
But you, OP, are a success by anyone's definition of the word. Revel in the fact that your dedication and hard work have paid off handsomely, and go enjoy your wife, your debt-free lifestyle, and your travels abroad.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to you. You've come a long way and, seemingly, doing something you've always wanted-traveling.
You pretty much have it all-family, decent income, ability to enjoy your life.
to answer your question: no, I don't relate to those feelings. For one thing, I don't google anyone from my past. That was then, this is now.
Why would you even care, to make yourself feel better about yourself?
Do you get joy out of finding about bad things about people you don't even have direct contact with? The germans have a word for that "schadenfreude", deriving pleasure from other's misfortune, not an admirable quality.
Odd.
Unless I am interested in establishing contact with someone I used to know(by contact I mean a phone call or seeing them in person if geographically possible) who cares.
Does anyone else do this and end up feeling like a failure in life?
I went to a magnet high school, one of the top schools in the country.
But I was never an overachiever type. I've always worked the maximum hours legal since I was 13 so that I could move out as soon as possible (abusive mother), so all I cared about back then was saving up money, graduating and going to the least expensive accredited university to avoid student loans. So I moved out at 17, permanently cut ties from my family, and graduated from a state university with a decent degree. I held full-time jobs throughout, and now have a nice cushy tech job at a good company, but it's not Google or Facebook caliber. I'm married, we have no debt, and we're enjoying life while saving up a good amount of money. I've been able to travel abroad extensively (something I always valued).
I'm 24, and for my age, I'm doing OK in life so far. I'm pretty happy, and I know there are many people in worse situations, so I shouldn't complain.
But then I googled my former classmates, and it seems like they've all gone on to Harvard or other Ivies, going to prestigious business schools, and working at prestigious companies like Google or media companies. And they've all seemed to hold a ton of different leadership roles throughout. They all seem so powerful and perfect and are extremely high achievers.
I know it's pretty "first world problems", but I can't help envying their success and feeling mediocre in comparison. I'm kicking myself for not achieving more academically when I was in high school.
Anyone else relate to this feeling when they Google their former classmates?
what???? you are probably better off than 80% of the population.......
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