Through the hard lessons in my many years, I have learned that I am happier when I follow my passions. We all may settle sometimes, but will feel greater satisfaction when our accomplishments and aligned with our passions.
When someone criticizes you unkindly, be assured that their assessment is based on crap in their own life and their own blurred views of the little slice of your life you allow them to see. Just feel pity for them, not anger.