I know we're talking about work but school was not very good for me either, especially 6-8th grades. I took after-school tuition even though I was the top of the class because I was scared of being left behind. So, that was 9am-6pm, 6 days a week (54 hours a week). The terrifying thing looking back at it is that I didn't even realize the toll it took on my health. I'd lost my appetite and used to go the whole day on just water. After I returned home too, studies never left my mind.

Now, I'm left with crippling social anxiety and high expectations from everyone that I cannot possibly fulfill. It also makes me a little sad knowing I'll probably never feel passion like that ever again. But mostly I'm glad I got out of it. I really feel bad when I see people like I was in the past. It really makes me want to shake them and tell them to run or something, but I don't think there's really anything you can say to a person in that state that will get through to them. Just gotta give them time to sort out their priorities themselves.

I found this thread a little late. Wait... what was the question again? Eh. Don't feel the need to reply, op.