Jax, it sounds like your dream is reflecting a mixture of past experiences and current challenges you're facing. The high school memory with your guidance counselor seems to symbolize a pivotal moment where you felt your aspirations were dismissed, which could be resurfacing now due to the recent job opportunity that passed you by. This figure from your past, although not frequently interacted with, has left a lasting impression, suggesting that her words had a deep impact on your self-perception and the choices you've made since then.
The rejection from the social media manager position appears to be a direct echo of that past experience, reinforcing feelings of frustration and self-doubt. Although you're now pursuing a degree in digital media and storytelling, which aligns with your interests, the dream indicates that there is a part of you that may still be seeking validation for your career choices and capabilities. The presence of your younger coworker in the dream seems to represent a confrontation with internalized age-related insecurities and the current competitive job market, which may be intensifying these feelings.
Your emotional response in the dream—jealousy, frustration, and tears—points to a significant amount of stress and anxiety you're carrying in your waking life. Managing a demanding role with children and facing financial strain would understandably contribute to these emotions. The dream's intensity suggests the need for acknowledgment of these valid feelings and perhaps a means to address them within your current situation. Your subconscious is likely processing these complex feelings of where you are now versus where you desire to be in your career and personal fulfillment.
While the dream had negative feelings, it wasn't classified as a nightmare and the emotions level wasn't extremely high. Instead, it seems like a reflection of your current state of mind, challenges, and the emotional weight of unmet aspirations. The dream's recurrence of past themes suggests a strong connection to your present life and the importance of these experiences to your sense of identity and self-worth. It's a call from your subconscious to reconcile with your past and find a way to navigate your current circumstances with self-compassion and resolve.
Remember, Jax, dreams often bring to light what we're dealing with in our waking lives. It seems like your subconscious is urging you to recognize your strengths, past struggles, and current efforts. Despite the setbacks, you're actively working towards your goals, which is commendable and a testament to your resilience.