To be honest I'm in a similar boat but not as bad as you. I have friends, peers who's college/education wasn't as good, people who I mentored, friends who aren'

To be honest I'm in a similar boat but not as bad as you. I have friends, peers who's college/education wasn't as good, people who I mentored, friends who aren't as intelligent go up the career path, get fancier titles, whatever. First I'd have to say I'm happy with what I'm doing. I am making an impact to my very large company, to my team. I took a management route, because those opportunities don't come around. I am trying to promote someone and I told her the same. Take the opportunities as they come. However unlike my peers, I'm not job hopping, or going to smaller companies for titles. If that's your boat, then that's fine. Sounds like it is, or it isn't for you. In your more serious case - one analogy I can give is like...getting married. You may have a few girlfriends/boyfriends. Some are good, some or bad. Maybe one gets away. But the only way to find out who you want to marry is having those experiences. You can't look at someone else, see them marry their first boyfriend/girlfriend and come away with envy. You've learned what you like, or don't like. I'm sure there's something out there that would make you happier - and you've been able to narrow it down.