If it helps, you’re not alone. I’ve spent decades of my life pursuing a career, and in the past five or so years I’ve come to realize I will never accomplish the things I used to dream about, like making an impact in my little field, etc. It’s a really, really unpleasant realization. The only silver lining I can find for myself (and it is helpful) is that I can let go of the “must excel” and “must go above and beyond” mentalities. It frees up time and mental resources.

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The phrase “based off of.” It’s always been stupid. I’m still ahead of the curve because many people still think it’s OK. It’s not.

My kid would like to still have a dad. One who is, ideally, not in prison or dead.