(5) in the list, over and over and over again. Started up nine years ago when I was 22, and my 20's are a meaty blur of distressing situations, all of which fun

(5) in the list, over and over and over again. Started up nine years ago when I was 22, and my 20's are a meaty blur of distressing situations, all of which fundamentally stem from trying to fulfil the often conflicting needs of staff, investors, clients, and all the rest. I care about people being happy, far, far too much. Many telephones died brutal deaths to bring you this message. The outcome is that I have nil joie de vivre, and have become a dour old fuck at the ripe young age of 31. I've gone from boundless enthusiasm and optimism when we started, even though we are now finally coming into our own and running the business less like asshats, to viewing the world through crap-stained glasses. It's cost me friendships, relationships, my health, my sanity, and pretty much everything else that's actually worthwhile in life. I suppose I do at least still have enough introspection and perspective to realise that it's not as bad as my wounded instincts lead me to believe, but it's a never-ending struggle to consciously adjust my perceptions. If there's any moral to this story, it's to learn to not give two craps about other peoples' happiness as early as you can, and to learn to clamber over people and stamp on their faces to achieve your goals. Unfortunately, I can't get behind that ethic, so am doomed to forever feel that I'm letting people down - thanks, negativity bias, you sod.