Please do not underestimate yourself. The concept of competition is odd. No one is better or worse than others. The society sets those crazy rules. Although, I do understand the need for validation from society. I crave for approval like many other.
However, deep down inside I know that this is all nonsense.
May I ask? What is keeping you from moving on? It does not have to be drastic. May be after you get your AA you can work towards management positions in retail. It is a pretty good job.
Do you like your own company? Or do you get bored easily? Got hobbies? These are all important questions to address while drawing in the pit of loneliness and misperceived failure. Some people love their solitude (i am one of them), so I got used to being alone easier. I am alone like you, but for the opposite reason: i moved around a lot. [emoji4]