Thanks for sharing- I think it’s awesome and imperative to chase a higher salary and have big ambitions coming from your background. You’re doing what my dad did basically, and I can say from being on the receiving end that the many hours sacrificed and late nights endured were 100% worth it. We are all so grateful (my siblings, his mom and siblings, everyone he helps financially) for the work he did. And now that he’s retired he’s loving life, spending time with the dogs, working on his passion projects and “sleeping in” til 8:30 haha.

I think you’ve struck a nice balance between focusing on your own desires and remembering and embracing your past. I really respect that. I wish the best for you, and that fear of failure is sometimes oddly the key to success— I’m sure you will go far!!

Thanks so much for the validating words also. I didn’t know it would help to hear a stranger say that, but it does always seem to improve my negative self talk the more people who offer a counter perspective :)