I co-founded a startup couple of years back which got acquired recently. Even though it was termed an acquisition, it was really an acqui-hire. When people congratulate me on that, I know in my heart that it's not true and it doesn't really make me happy. Now, I've quit my job at that company because I just couldn't work there any longer. And am trying to figure out what to do next. I know for a fact that I want to run my own business and attain financial freedom but I can't risk another startup at this moment because: 1. Startups are tough and I am afraid 2. I have a few financial responsibilities towards my family which I have to take care of. Thus, I have picked up another job which I'll join in a few weeks. It is not in a very 'sexy' or 'trendy' industry and I have no idea where it is going to take me in two years. What do you do when you believe that you can do great things but something that you have no control over is holding you back? You believe that you are good at what you do and are meant for great things but you have to do your job even though it doesn't do justice to your capabilities. How do you cope with that? Seeing your future as an underachiever pains you. What do you do? In the course of trying to figure it out, I spoke to my friends about this, I realised that most of them are going through the same thing. But they haven't figured out how to deal with it. I don't know if this is what they call a quarter-life crisis. Thus, this is as much a distress call as it is a rant. And not having anyone else to turn to, I am posting it here at HN assuming that this is not just a problem for a handful of people but a general problem for people who believe in their ability to do great things (whether it is true or not is irrelevant to them). The questions I posed here aren't the only ones I have in my mind. But, I hope I have been able to convey the message. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!