<prompt> Human: I currently make about 30kyear fluctuating because of commissions, often a little less and, at 27 years old, feel the constant pressure that nearing the big 30 tends to burden us with in this culture. I am single, have no debts, and have 8000 invested in the stock market, 2000 liquid cash. I live in a small apartment and have little else to my name save for a vehicle and some audio equipment. Im scared. I received a degree in history in 2012certainly enriching, but not applicable to many careers save for academia, something I feel ambivalent about. As I poke around this subreddit and take inventory of my peers and their financial positions, I cant help but feel like a total loser. Its hard for me to to process these emotions: There is a sense of being overwhelmed at how behind I am and the constant feeling that my actual worth is a fraction of what my friends are. They have big salaries, nice houses, stable families. My main reason for coming here is twofold: I wonderare there others around my age who feel the same? What do you do to copeprogressmove on? The second question would be to those who simply have a rational perspective about this kind of financial and emotional situation: What do you suggest someone in my position do to secure financial stability? Should I even be worried? Thanks in advance to anyone contributing to this discussion.EDIT: Thanks for the replies so far. The refrain seems to be that regardless of income, comparing oneself to others results in misery. To be honest, this is a difficult struggle considering how competition-orientied our day to day lives are. We idolize those who make it big and who are successful most often success is synonymous with a big paycheck. But this refrain is right, regardless. Happiness does not equal wealth. Its amazing though how difficult it is to overcome these kinds of emotions though, especially envy!EDIT II: Maybe its because Im naive, but I am genuinely surprised about how many people are in the same kind of situation or resonate with the general feeling I am describing. I think this is primarily because, as people have mentioned here, we normally only see the success stories. People love to share how theyve made it, and though those stories can be inspiring, they seem to be internalized by many people who arent inspired, but rather discouraged. For posterity, heres the distillation of the two most important points Ive gleaned from everyone so far: 1 There is always someone with more money, health, relational happiness etc.. It is harmful to always be thinkingobsessing over this. Instead, think about how you can help those with less. Charity overcomes envy.2 More money doesnt equal more happiness. Often big salaries come at the expense of peace in other areas of life. Its important to know first who you are and whats most important to you. Lastly, just something Ive been thinking about while reading comments here: There will come a point in everyones life when your best effort just isnt enough. You will fail regardless of the energy you put into something. Or maybe tragedy hits, something outside of your control or foresight. When this happens, do not despair. This is an opportunity, not the end of the story. Realizing our weakness and limits helps us understand others in the same situation. It can lead to solidarity, community, and ultimately peace. Thanks for the good discussion, everyone.  <response>: Ive read many post where people would love to be in your position: a job, savings, retirement money, no debt. So while you envy others, know that many others out there envy you.Rather than comparing yourself, you should focus on you. Low income job? Try advancing your career. Polish up your resume and look for a higher paying job. What I know wont help is focusing on what others have instead of focusing on what you got. 