To be a little jealous rather than proud

[bitjel]

Im a lecturer and have always wanted to go freelance with my business/field, of which I have many years experience, but have never been able to due to financial contraints.
I have just seen that one of my recent graduates has taken the plunge and gone freelance. This is unusual as it usually takes a few years of experience in the field and contact building before people can go out and do this.

I should be proud but feel a little jealous that I cant and probably never will be able to do this because I need to have my secure income (family,mortgage etc). Im also a bit surprised by his confidence as the fees he is charging are pretty high. Slightly green.

I am being a bit U arent I.

If he's a recent graduate he has probably "gone freelance" because he can't get a job!

YANBU to be jealous. It may be easier for your student if they have no existing commitments such as a mortgage. Be grateful though that you have a secure income in this climate, your student may not have been able to find a job

No, you're not unreasonable. I think that is a very human thing to feel . Does your student's venture make you feel even more determined to follow? Or do you know that it is not possible for you financially? If it's not possible now will you be in a better position in the future? Maybe you'll have debts paid off/less childcare fees/pay rise?

YABU. To feel a little envious is ok but jealousy is a tad harsh.

Be proud you have obviously taught him well!

damn those youngsters and their free and easy ways!
only natural to feel the way you do
give yourself a break...there aren't many saints around
who knows if he will be successful too
if not you can be openly sorry and inwardly slightly pleased
;)

Of course YANBU; it's a very normal, human reaction, though obviously it goes without saying that you shouldn't let on to him that you feel like this. I think it's possible to feel proud and jealous.

It's not because you begrudge him his success. It's because you are feeling held back by personal circumstances. That's something many of us can relate to. There are loads of things I have had to turn down because I am a single parent and the only earner and therefore I cannot take risks due to the possible consequences for my DC. It's frustrating and affects women particularly because they have primary responsibility for children. Your graduate has the all the advantages of youth, gender and freedom from responsibility, which is why he can do this.

Just smile and wish him all the best and see if there is anything else you can do to give yourself a feeling of personal fulfilment. That's been my approach and it's actually worked amazingly well. If you're a university lecturer then you have plenty to feel proud of already.

Just because he's charging a lot, doesn't mean anyone is hiring him at those rates.

Yanbu though. It's a natural human reaction.

You are all very kind, thanks.
It hit me like a slap in the face when I saw the website but he has done well to do it. He was employed btw and left the job to go freelance. Not quite a year since graduation but went against convention and went on his own.

Perhaps I should use his website in my portfolio ;)