Some of us are afraid to take certain actions so we play it safe. Every action has consequences. I know I could make a lot of money. But, would it be worth it? I don't know.
I had similar things happen in my childhood. It stemmed from being a "Yankee" in MS...but getting back to Karma...I think a major problem with believing (or disbelieving) in karma too strongly is by expecting some sort of payback.
I highly recommend a film from the 80's called "The Razor's Edge". It stars Bill Murray, and though it isn't a great film, it discusses how karma isn't about payback to one's self. The film is based off an excellent W. Sommerset Maugham novel.
I don't know about the rest of the world's balance, but in my life when I had the strength to hold them up, my friends knew they could come to me for anything. Now that I am in need of support, my friends have been so gracious to lend their shoulders to me.
It's all bullshit. Just like the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny. Bad things happen to good people often, and vice versa. People that are wicked often do themselves in because they are miserable in the first place.
There's no such thing as karma. There is good luck and bad luck. However, bad people tend to bring bad things on themselves so I guess you can say what comes around goes around.
Karma isn't guranteed on a timeframe. You don't have until XXX hours or weeks or years pass before you are entitled to collect. However, I do believe good deeds bring forth goodness to you and others and vice versa for bad ones.