I know I shouldn't let it bother me but I'm a bit fed up of living in my brother's and brother-in-law's shadows. My brother earns at least three times as much as me and has multiple holidays a year. He's just come back from Dubai for instance. His kids have travelled to between 30-40 countries and their eldest is only 11. We're going on a Haven holiday in Wales in a couple of weeks for four nights, our first holiday in two years.
My brother-in-law meanwhile is an IT contract worker with a six bed house. On Sunday there was a family gathering and we were talking about the Apprentice. My wife's step-sister kept badgering him to apply for the next series but he said he's too old (39 this month). While that's probably true they have had people around our ages appear in the past. It just bugged me that even though I'm just 16 months older that I wasn't included in the conversation.
On the face of it there's nothing in my CV to say I have achieved anything of note other than professional stagnation. I've never managed and when management positions have arose they've been taken by younger, less experienced people than me.
I have to stop comparing myself as it's not helpful but I just wish I had something I could shout about. You can almost hear the pity in the voice when they ask about our (rented) place. Problem is I know that I am where I am because of the decisions I've made in the past. I can't change that though - I have to start looking forward and make better choices.
What about the rest of you? Do you have any issues with your family/friends?
