You asking for advice and support is already better than what 99%+ people would do in your situation. You feel betrayed. They set you up with an expectation of

You asking for advice and support is already better than what 99%+ people would do in your situation. You feel betrayed. They set you up with an expectation of emotional safety and then used it against you. That’s messed up. I’d be angry too, and I have been angry in similar situations. I’ve learned a couple lessons over the years: 1. Most people in a transactional setting like business are not honest. They might claim to be supportive, understanding, etc., but when you lean on them to do so, they’re not. If a transaction is taking place conditioned on something like you performing a job, then you probably aren’t going to get unconditional support in return. 2. It’s not worth burning bridges. Not because these people will spread gossip about you or reconnect with you down the line, but because it’s a distraction from moving forward. The best way to let go of an experience like this is to get involved with a new experience. Vent any emotion first and then dive into something new. A new project, a new programming language, a new job, etc. 3. Use this experience as one of your super powers. You’re not the first to be treated this way and you won’t be the last. You now have the unique perspective of being able to empathize with others going through a situation like this. And you’ll be able to recognize in yourself if you start to go down the path of treating someone this way. The ones that you want to stay connected to will reach out in time. But if no one does then lucky you for not having wasted more time with people who treat others this way. I’m sorry you had this experience, but thanks for sharing and reaching out. And good luck with whatever lies ahead.