You are a hero, and what I consider to be the definition of a real man. You did the hardest thing on earth for 6 years - you tried to build something new and useful to this planet.
I guarantee you learned a great deal about business, about technical topics, it was probably like getting an MBA and a PhD all rolled up in one.
It was a lonely path, and it still will be if you continue. It is the nature of the task. Perhaps it is time to go out among the "just started this path" types for just a little bit. After talking with you for 5 minutes, they will probably think you are a God for surviving this long, and because they sense your 6 years of vast experience.
Take a week or two off in some small town without high speed internet. You probably need a good solid vacation.
I think I might know who you are. If I am right, you have a reason to be anxious. You are in a field filled with everyday geniuses left, right, and center. You can't even play in this sandbox unless your IQ is sky high.
But even fields full of geniuses need all types. Go to Youtube and rewatch the old black and white movie "Edison the Man" with Spencer Tracey. You will notice Edison getting some major good breaks from happy accidents involving his goofy cousin in charge of dealing with the press, and his slow-thinking but dedicated worker who shows him mistakes made in the lab. What I mean is, even if you are the slowest one on your team you may be like Hellman's mayo - maybe you bring out the best in other team mates.
Don't try to second guess fate. You are working in such a cutting edge area a goofy accident, mistake, or dumb remark may be just what is needed for your company to thrive. Maybe you are the secret sauce.
If you wake up and choose to play the innovation game another day, and keep going, you are "in the club". In the club of people who are trying to solve problems and build new things. It's the trying to improve this monkey world that is admirable. In the end we all die anyway. I commend your efforts to try. Keep going.
I guarantee you learned a great deal about business, about technical topics, it was probably like getting an MBA and a PhD all rolled up in one.
It was a lonely path, and it still will be if you continue. It is the nature of the task. Perhaps it is time to go out among the "just started this path" types for just a little bit. After talking with you for 5 minutes, they will probably think you are a God for surviving this long, and because they sense your 6 years of vast experience.
Take a week or two off in some small town without high speed internet. You probably need a good solid vacation.