based buckethead listener

You think that's bad, I have friends in the nuclear industry and you should see the Dunning–Kruger quotient of the people cheerleading this "Small Modular Reactor" fad. :X

But yeah, I've seen far too many prima donnas nursing a superiority complex after failing to crack into the Big Leagues in a textbook demonstration of Aesop's Fable of the fox and grapes. I worked with someone who was always judging their art against other people's, and it ate them alive. To twist the previous Feynman quote: The first principle is that your work must please yourself—and you are the hardest person to please. :p

I hear you on that.

But I'd just say to you; work on your goals and your art. You know you're making something important and unique to you, a lot of other people have nothing better to do than make drama... They've always been there and always be there.

But you know you apply what you believe in your life and how it's benefitted you. If you're the best you, that you can be. You'll find others will emulate your example.

I think it's a good idea like you said, to step back and enjoy yourself. When you're stressed and frustrated, be kind to yourself.