| I would suggest you talk to someone about this in person. I'm guessing you have many friends and family that are proud of and would dream to have your level accomplishments. I've got a bit of savings but didn't co-found Instagram either. I also have many smart, extremely talented friends who, in their 30s, are finally debt free. Or not even. Suddenly things don't seem bad at all. You have a freedom and flexibility that is decades away (at best) for many people, not just starving third world strangers. Perspective helps, and yours might be dominated by dreams of getting richer rather than something more productive. The reality might be that even if you reach some certain number that you think would satisfy you now, you might just find something else to be dissatisfied with. Still not as rich as the next guy. I understand what you're feeling. A few things help keep me in check: One, mentally treat "want" as a toxic impulse (like, say, overindulging in fast food). It's perfectly fine to have goals and drive, but don't let them get so out of hand as to consume you. Two, imagine luminaries in your field and compare their accomplishments to wealth. I'm sure Vint Cerf and Linus Torvalds live comfortably -- but are not billionaires. But look how many have ridden off of their accomplishments. Wealth != societal worth. Three, read the (apocryphal?) quote about Heller and "enough". Finally, do talk to someone in person. I didn't know "imposter syndrome" was a thing until someone told me, for example. Talking can help in unexpected ways. |