Hi BrokenCloud; I can relate to this on not achieving all that I once thought I hoped to do. Working was the main stumbling block for me. Another thing is having the financial aid to getting the education one needs to go forward in life and get some sort of specialty. So my jobs were always on the lower scale financially because of lack of education. I have been able to be very much a survivor; but not terribly good as an achiever in the working world. I've achieved strongly in my personal life however.

Although I was recommended for two scholarships during graduation time; my folks were not financially able nor had any enthusiasm to educate myself or my siblings.
We were suppose to marry after high school; and I was having none of that for
my personal wishes. I joined the USAF (I'm Female) and became a flight attendant
for Military Air Transport Service. I was soon promoted to the VIP flights out of
Washington area and traveled weekly to Europe. So this was an adventure and kept
me from being forced to marrying young. I did marry at almost 25.

I think a person has to think out of the box as a survivor to make a life for themselves. I did find I dealt more with the past however during my early 30s and
a very, very struggling time for several years. Some folks don't deal with things right away, and can be quite older before their bottle overflows with the hurts.

I don't know if this is anyway answering your question, but thought the question is an excellent one.
Hugs, bj