I think the problem here is that you were spending too much time comparing yourself to your peers. Instead of being happy for their success, you're seeing it as devaluing your own worth. Is the point of having a high paying 9-5 making more money than your friends, or is it about having the the ability to dictate what you can do in your spare time? And is the point of pursuing things in your spare time and time (like rock-climbing/hiking/taveling/doing cocaine off hookers) to show off on Facebook or for personal enjoyment and betterment? I recently saw an interview with Dave Chappelle where he said that "money is the fuel of choices" and I think he nailed it.