Eleven years ago, my wife and I had had a baby, so I didn't go to Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in years. Tim Key won the comedy award and I was sat at home with the baby feeling very jealous, genuinely.

In this quote, Alex Horne reflects on a personal moment of jealousy and regret from eleven years ago. He mentions how the birth of his baby led him to miss the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe, an event he had attended regularly before. Horne humorously contrasts his experience of being at home with his newborn while Tim Key won the comedy award, revealing his genuine feeling of jealousy despite his happiness for his fellow comedian. This mix of personal responsibility and professional ambition shows the complexities of balancing family life with career aspirations.

Horne's comment highlights the challenges that many people face when trying to balance parenthood and their professional lives. His jealousy stems not from bitterness but from the natural desire to be involved in significant career milestones. The fact that he was sat at home with his baby reinforces the idea that being present for family requires sacrifices, sometimes including missed opportunities in one's professional life.

The quote also speaks to the human nature of comparison and how even successful professionals, like Horne, can experience feelings of inadequacy or envy when they are unable to achieve certain milestones. His candid admission of feeling jealous of Key’s success reflects how even those with fulfilling personal lives can struggle with the balance of career and personal satisfaction.

Ultimately, Horne’s words convey a relatable experience of navigating the complexities of life, where one can feel torn between professional success and the deeply personal joy of family. It also shows how feelings of jealousy, though natural, are part of the broader journey of growth and self-acceptance.