Amazing how society's expectations dictate that we are 'failures at life' as you say when we don't follow the script, right? I totally get it - I'm an itenerant zoologist, so work on a number of projects all over the world, never have much money and zero stability and people give you that look like: when are you going to grow up? Lol.
The thing is, if it makes you happy then bollocks to other people's expectations :) happy Steeming and welcome!
Sometimes I fall into that and also question when I'll grow up. When I'm out amongst the trees or by the ocean, all the doubts and uncertainties strip away, and I remember what matters to me. It's never been about making tons of money, things, and erm, stuff ... much to the dismay of my family :) super happy I found your blog, and that you found mine!