a carrot in god's potato field - someone who didn’t get the memo that life is supposed to be

someone who didn’t get the memo that life is supposed to be easy, but still somehow keeps going

My uncle tried to start a band but now just plays guitar in his basement. Carrot in god’s potato field.

My mom wanted to be a teacher but now works at a fast-food place. Classic carrot in god’s potato field.

My friend tried to be a famous actor but now works at a coffee shop. That’s a carrot in god’s potato field.