Comment by shepherdjerred

I have a score of 5. I was in my district's GT program [0] from 5th grade until graduation (I only mention this since you said "gifted" in the title and this is the most "official" proof that I have). I failed many classes in high school (algebra, chem, physics, English) mostly from lack of effort. I had a lot of trouble attending class during high school and dealt with depression.

I went to college a couple of states away and being in that new environment helped a lot. By my senior year I was doing much better -- still had issues and only had a 3.2 GPA but I never failed a class. I was able to get an internship at AWS and a full-time job there after graduation.

Now (at 27) I'm starting a new job at Pinterest tomorrow, doubling what I was making at my last job. I'm halfway through my masters in computer science. I don't think I have any giant accomplishments, but I'm definitely comfortable and conventionally successful. The biggest dissatisfaction I have are around relationships and fulfillment, though I am slowly making progress.

I don't have any major diagnosed issues, but my upbringing definitely continues to have a huge impact on me. Therapy has helped a lot.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gifted_education

> "The biggest dissatisfaction I have are around relationships and fulfillment"

Just know that relationships at work can be fleeting. They could leave, you could leave. The best work friends you have, you might stay in touch. You'll both look back on your time together fondly. But lasting relationships aren't usually found at the workplace. (Though they _can_.)

And absolutely don't seek fulfillment from an employer. You're fulfilling them - their needs, wishes, and goals. They're fulfilling contractual obligations to you through your bank account just as you're fulfilling your work obligations to them through your efforts.

Fulfillment comes from acceptance of who you are, personal appreciation of what you're good at, and doing things for your own personal satisfaction - not because it's demanded of you by someone else. Honestly, just look how far you've come. That's an accomplishment in and of itself and is worthy of appreciation. Nobody will ever tell you when "you've arrived" (other than your GPS). It comes through personal realization that you're a grown adult now, you're charting your own course in life, you can go where you want and do what you want. You're where you are because of your own actions. If you ever find yourself truly loathing where you are, you can change it. Finding contentment with where you are in life (geographically, financially, etc) is up to you. Don't like it, you can change it. When you say "this is where I want to be" will you begin to find contentment.