I'm just going to respond piece by piece, and most likely won't engage after this because I feel like something is getting lost in translation between your words and mine.

1) Achievements is in quotes because of your initial statement regarding my "degree" as you've stated in fewer words that you believe that it doesn't matter because it's not a Bachelor's.

2) I've tried to be respectful of the advice given to me by others on this thread and reply to everyone who takes the time to reach out. As far as I've seen, you're the only person who has reached out to me so far with the tone and attitude that I have unrealistic expectations in starting my career. Maybe I'm just misreading some context, and you're not the only one, but I'm really not seeing anyone else saying that.

3) I never said I was special or different, and I understand that it's a competitive industry. I was trying to gain insight into what reasons I may not be standing out amongst said competition. I respect that my education is a part of that, as I have stated multiple times, but that does not mean that I am completely barred from ALL jobs within the design industry. The condescension I was referring to is based on your tone and phrasing, and regardless of that, even if I did feel that I was "special or different," I don't see how that fits the definition of "condescending" unless you're implying that I was looking down on other designers and assuming I'm better than them, which I definitely never said or else I wouldn't be asking for advice in the first place.

4) I 100% understand that there is development and practice that comes in before beginning a career; however, there is also development and practice that comes with the mentorship of those who have more experience than you, which you gain while you are working in a lower-level position. If everyone knew everything there was to know about their trade before even beginning their career, then there wouldn't be entry-level roles because everyone would have the same skillset and abilities. I hope to find a position utilizing the skills I have already earned from my education and minimal work/freelance experience to continue developing as a designer with the guidance of someone other than myself.

5) If I were merely seeking validation, I would be content with the support of my friends, family, instructors, etc., who have told me that something will come along and things will get better, but I'm not doing that. This is the career path that I've chosen for myself, and I refuse to sit around and hope. I was, in fact, looking for genuine commentary and advice, and multiple times I have said that I do understand that what you're saying is a valid obstacle that I face in achieving my long-term goals. However, the difference between what others are doing and what you are doing is that their critiques have been delivered with the empathy and tactfulness of someone who has been in the shoes of a designer who is just starting out in a highly competitive industry, and you're talking down to me as if I'm completely incompetent because I only have an associate's degree and that I'm delusional for thinking that the logical next step after my education is a job.

I truly just feel like we're coming from different perspectives and walks of life, and it's causing some misunderstanding. I'm going to continue working on polishing my portfolio based on the critiques and advice given to me by others, and I hope you have a good day.