I’m having a very hard time.

I just read that a novel is at least 40,000 to 50,000 words. AT LEAST. I’m at 21,863 and I thought I was finally close to done. Now, it looks like I’m barely half…? I thought novels weren’t supposed to have guidelines. That’s what my English teacher said! Hahh! I know you can’t read it in one sitting so it’s a novel, right? Screw all these damn requirements. When my story is done it’s done. 40,000 word or not!