Should I have felt shame because of this?

[Anonymous]

From I’d say 20-25 I was completely broke and I felt a lot of shame in it. I was studying, living off my parents and had no money.

Even now I don’t feel happy with what I earn as I’m not anywhere near where I want to be

Yes it was fair to feel shame

No it wasn’t fair to feel shame

[SueShe]

Being low on money is no reason to feel shame or have any negative feelings about it. You only feel shame because the capitalistic society wants you to spend money and since you can't you feel as if you fail this corrupt society.

There is much more to a person than money. Money does not make people truly happy. Money does not warrant a better life. Look at Steve Jobs. He had so many billions that he could buy anything he wanted except...

... except health. He would have given billions but his pancreatic cancer took all his dreams away despite all his money. Was he happy? No.

You are broke but you are happier than Steve Jobs ever was in the final months of his life of a super rich person.

[Anonymous]

Just continue growing and looking for ways to upgrade yourself. Never feel shame for your efforts! And never compare yourself to others like oh so and so has more and is younger etc or someone your same age has triple what you have and so on, that’s nonsense that only will lead to failure and depression.

If you’re gonna compare at all, compare yourself to your worse self and celebrate your accomplishments, and keep going. It’s not easy for everyone some have to try harder than others and that’s more admirable. Don’t settle keep going but don’t tear yourself down.

[Shiprex]

You should be proud you made something of yourself. That isn't shameful. Many people don't get to that stage and wallow in self pity and make nothing of themselves.

Aim for something. Don't set a time frame but always remember happiness is priceless.

[Nikki1989]

Hard times happen to the best of us.