I live in Brazil, and I was born in a bad location in the country. My young ages have been a real pain and I learned not to smile. I started working as a programmer even before getting into college, because I needed money to actually pay the college, and so I have lived a very black and white life for ever. Today, I see that having a nice and beautiful past and present that makes it easy to smile everyday is a more valuable trait to get a job than actually having technical skills. I don't personally like the way it works but, hey, it's the real world.
If you keep working hard and are good at your work employers and clients will hopefully see past your demeanour.
Some of the most competent people I know come across as grumpy and aloof. They get respect because they know their stuff and care about their work, and that shines through.
Lots of people go through bad times. No matter how terrible your life may have been, there is likely someone who had it worse off and appears today as happy and smiles. I know it can be hard, but try to not focus on the great advantage others may have due to their roll of the dice and the situation to which they were born. Do the best you can do. Learn what you can. Don't worry about what you can't change. Take joy in small victories. Choose to be happy. Best of luck.
