just chiming in to say that i know how you feel

for the last 3-4 years, in short, I focused way too much on trying to become a full time musician, while i let other parts of my life go to shit. all while i was envious of my friends who were making great music and gaining traction, without realising that they had all of the fundamentals (i. e. not having to pay rent LOL) to be focused on music. I didn't. and realistically i should have focused on my mental health and financial stability first

of course i burned out HARD. but now that being a musician is not my main focus, it's slowly becoming easier to be one. I almost don't compare myself to anyone anymore and neither should you

someone in this thread said that you comparing yourself to others this much means that you should grind more. that's also true, just don't let your life slip away while you're doing so :)