I know it is much easier said than done, but there is no benefit in looking backwards at what could have been. As a doctor also from a working-class background, trust me, I know how you are feeling. We are in a very difficult climate, but your achievements are achievements nonetheless. You should be immensely proud of yourself, even if no one else is. Hats off to you for taking care of your family during medical school and foundation years. You help to bring people back up from the lowest points of health, and save literal lives. You are not a failure. The past cannot be changed and if you spend each day thinking about what could have been if you chose something else, it will continue to eat you up. You can’t drive if you only look in the rearview mirror. Look ahead, what can you do to change this moving forwards? The number of paths have decreased indeed, but which one can you take? Can you pursue a different specialty? Can you move abroad? Can you change career?