[mrz]

Being 21 I can't help but feel quite useless. I'm still working to get out of my university and future doesn't seem to be really bright, although perhaps it's just my mind playing tricks to me. But the mere fact that someone like me is (or was, when he was 21) already established in some position, even if "just" in the position of being independently bringing in money, kind of seems to set the bar too high.

[zackattack]

Below is some tough love because I have your best interests at heart:

1. "Being 21 I can't help but feel quite useless. I'm still working to get out of my university and future doesn't seem to be really bright, although perhaps it's just my mind playing tricks to me."

How do you feel useless? Are you depressed or do you suffer from low self esteem? If you're posting on HN, you surely possess some sort of tech-related skill set. So you aren't useless. Moreover, you have internet access, and thus have the capacity to expand that skill set. Bam. Your mind is indeed playing tricks on you.

2. "But the mere fact that someone like me is (or was, when he was 21) already established in some position, even if 'just' in the position of being independently bringing in money, kind of seems to set the bar too high."

This is nonsense. What does what someone else did have anything at all to do with you? At all? The only possible explanation is that VCs won't ever give you money if you haven't accomplished Serious Things by age 21, but this is not true. You've got to stop comparing yourself to others. The only time comparing yourself to others is possibly useful is when it motivates you to work even harder. But, it seems that is not the case; you aren't working harder, you are just complaining. So stop comparing yourself!

Bottom line-you have some university education and internet access. The world is at your fingertips.

[Ardit20]

The world is at your fingertips

And you will never find out what part of the world your fingers should work on until you get down and dirty and actually try stuff rather than just complain.

I have a friend, he is my age and he manages to keep up with so many stuff from directing to explorations in Egypt, I see that only as someone to be admired and if he can do it then sure so can I. I envy him of course, but I am sure he envies me about some stuff too. I guess there are many ways to succeed, graduating for many is one such way, for the guys here I think what success is, is spending time efficiently and constructively, preferably in some niche.

[agrinshtein]

Ditto. There is bountiful opportunity in the world for those who just open their eyes.

In the words of a sage, "Time is short, work is great, workers are lazy, the reward is great and the master is pressing." In the world there is a high demand and low supply of making this world we live in a better, more productive place. Those that help that get done will reap its rewards.

Good Luck. Open your eyes.