Are all of my friends more successful than I am?

That's a question I keep asking lately as I struggle with the desire to make more money and own more stuff.

My husband would jump to point out that I can't value myself based on my career or possessions. But it's hard not to compare when I see others surpassing me.

Knowing some of my friends make about twice as much as I do and can afford the luxuries I can't is frustrating. What have they done that I haven't?

I've always had some degree of success, whether in academics, sports or jobs. But as I feel settled and very married, I watch my single friends continue on paths to the above and beyond.

We used to be all in this thing together, regardless of whether they started with more money than I did.

In college we didn't really know what we wanted to do, and it wasn't about picking a career that made the most money. We were united in our efforts to cover the keg costs and make sure we bought the most fashion for the minimum.

Part of me feels like I'm the only one who is still trying to just get by and our priorities have shifted.

Some of my friends now focus mainly on the coin. I'm always shocked when my best friend from college insists that she needs to make tons of it. At first that seems shallow -- but then maybe I'm really just jealous.

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I have always wanted more money, but I've always worried more about having a job I like. I grew up with parents who hated their jobs, and it just didn't seem worth it.

But I left one job not because it wasn't truly exciting, but because there was no room for me to move up and therefore make more money.

I care about being compensated for the work I do, I just am not sure how much that should be to keep me content.

Now, I fear that I'm in a career where there is no natural progression to the top. It's not like there are annual promotions or even guaranteed raises.

Maybe I should switch paths and follow the leads of my friends. Maybe I should take a job that isn't exactly what I would want but pays me enough to do more than get by.

My friend Amy recently switched careers for a sales position. Sales is something that many of my friends would consider beneath them. But she loves it and loves the benefits. She's raking in the cash and enjoying not having to worry about covering her expenses.

Perhaps it's time for me to stop looking at what others have and take stock of my stuff.

I don't have the big job with an expense account and a company car. But I get to be creative every day. I wish it paid more, but that's not the point.

The point is that I am basically fulfilled -- a job that isn't a dream but pays decently and a personal life that keeps me happy and never bored.

So while I will naturally will turn slightly green when I see my wealthy friends' latest designer purchases, I can remember I have some fancy things of my own.

They just don't have designer names.

Laura Lewis is an adventurous newlywed who has loved, lost and doesn't mind sharing. Her column appears every other Thursday.