Oh wow, congratulations on following your dreams.

I do feel pushed to volunteer my time to help the less fortunate. And I know that gratitude and being externally focused are solutions to deal with envy.

But that's exactly where I get so angry - because I have no social safety, I must work full time. I fear not having money and having no place to go, and having to depend on people who resent me or treat me poorly, because I have been there in my life.

I'm also starting a family. I'm a breadwinner. I find a lot of joy in my spouse and young child. But that also takes up so much time.

I used to mentor children, and the children of prisoners. But that was when I was single and had more free time.

Maybe I will be a mentor for foster kids in my next stage of life. Or I will pray for God to clear me a space when it makes sense.

People who have strong families and strong financial safety nets can give back even more. It's actually something I am jealous about. They can work in a nonprofit and earn less and give back and do good, and count on their parents to supplement their income. If they are laid off, they have more options than those of us who are essentially, orphans.

If you are surrounded by extended family who loves you and helps provide for you, it's easier to pay that forward and become an even better member of society than your birthright. It's a wonderful cycle for the have's but it hurts the have-nots.

I had a dream and pursued it for five years. I had to abandon it because of the economy, to avoid homelessness. That is a source of bitterness. I am grateful for my current work, however.