I think I'm very lucky.
I'd say I can't complain.
Many of my friends from university times (smart people) are all more or less realized (those all abroad).
It's true, work is a matter of ass: You need to find yourself in the right place at the right time. and it doesn't rain on it.
Once you're in, though, if little you can whip the few neurons not yet exhausted, you'll be able to move well because you're able to analyze things better than anyone else.
p.s: I also know who does a job underpaid. They're all the ones who went to the exam for the famous 18 politicians.
On the contrary, some I doubted that they could graduate... so I can say that he also went fat.
I read all the discussion that seemed very interesting to me.
I have to quote pier because I believe that unfortunately in a country like ours (I cannot make references to foreign countries of which I do not know the relativity) in which meritocracy is only to know this or that politicuzzo from 4 money, too often to be able to work it is only a matter of ass.
I entered the company (state) 27 years ago hired as a driver of means of transport (camion) and lifting (autogrù). Then, after 19 years, following a ministerial refurbishment, there were courses/internal competitions for designers and, taking advantage of the mechanical technical expert diploma, I managed to do what I had always dreamed of, draw and design.
Today I am a designer/designer for the Navy and I am always a public employee.
the salary is low if you consider that you plan things that are worth tens, hundreds of thousands of € (I am author of the modernization of a unit for a contractual value of almost 5.000.000 of €), that they save to the state (if we do not, they must be paid private studies) and despite this they are called "a lee to harm the community" also here on the forum.
I haven't done a sick leave for years (I'm lucky enough) because in the morning I get up and I go to work "content" because I'm lucky to do something I like, despite the low salary and however considered by too many, "rubato".
In conclusion I want to say something to iosonoioyeah.
I repented, indeed I regret every day, not to have graduated in naval engineering (and I had an uncle naval engineer who would introduce me) so...
study, learn, deepen, enrich yourself. . .
do what you like and you will always be in peace with yourself.
and you will not feel in "lower" by comparing with who is always ready to bang in the face "the piece of paper" (which then maybe does not know how to make a caxxo but this is secondary).