Dear ringmodule,

I can really identify with what you wrote.

At this point in my life I am not comfortable revealing too much about myself on an open Forum but I think I definitely meet your qualifications for a being "a highly functional mess."

What helped me personally and please do not take this as advice, was moving from my profession into a profession that I felt was more meaningful to me, what you might call a "helping profession." Sorry for being intentionally vague and I realize of course that most professions are in a sense "helping professions."
I am certainly profoundly appreciative and grateful for the amazingly helpful work that engineers have contributed to the world and which have improved, in so many cases, the health and well-being of millions of people.

My change of profession involved some economic sacrifice which I thought would be hard on me but turned out to be, how do you say . . . 'no big deal.'

I realize that each person here on earth is unique and that what works for one person might be all that helpful to someone else. That is why I don't feel able to give advice in many cases. This case being one.

I am not sure my post will make sense since my command of the English language is not strong, rich or robust. Hopefully others here, others who fall into the category of respondents whose stories you wish to hear will answer your post and provide more helpful information to you.

You have accomplished a lot in life so far and I really admire you for it. I think your story is inspiring and I think it will get more inspiring as time goes on. Of course I am not prescient but that is my feeling right now for what it is worth.

Sincerely yours, -- Yao Wen