Mr Stranger, I have just learned about those concepts of asserting and boundaries. I try to use them when I feel necessary but I need practice.
For my self esteem I don't know really. I have had a difficult childhood or pre teenage year if I can say. I was raised by my grandmother and moved with my mother at 10, thats when I had to face physical abuse and insults sometimes.

I was very much loved as a kid by my grandmother and brother and sisters, even by my father's girlfriend. I was a very pretty little girl and funny.
I used to play a lot alone.
As an adult I am very selective of my friends and people I let close. Those I let close I tend to form close bonds with them, but if they do something hurtful I cut the bond and put them out of my life.

I am lonely most of the time which does not bother me very much. I don't contact a lot friends and family apart one sister, I call or she calls me once a week.

What I miss the most is a boyfriend as between the age of 14 till 2 years ago I have always been in relationships and I want kids and to get married. I am in my early thirties. But I don't go out much and tend to not look at men at all. I most of the time find something I don't like about them for those who try, or I ask them to be friends if they are nice.

The master degree is to change career and have a better position.

I was not aware really of myself before, I just lived life but since my separation and what happened at work, this brought out all my insecurities and doubts. Also a lot of good things as I became aware of the dynamics of my relationships with people and I have seen how toxic some family members and one of my sisters are so I cut tie or distance them.

I think I am on my way to improve my life but as it is a solitary one and I don't have a mentor or Therapist it's a bit harder.

Thank you to both of you, and sorry for this long post but I wanted to get it out of my stomach.