I am a failure

[greybeta]

You know, I am a failure.

I am, you know.

Well, Dad told me something that I intuitively knew, but him saying it made it so much more clear to me. Dad thinks one of the reasons Mom had some trouble was because her dreams are unfulfilled. She dreamed of a son who'd be a doctor, making her proud. She could then brag about her son to her friends and say she done raised me good.

The fact that I am choosing to become a teacher means I'm a failure, at least in the eyes of the those who value money and social rank in life. But I don't care, even if my mom does. Hey, she was raised in a different culture, one where money and social rank meant everything. I'm free to choose my own destiny now though.

I've learned that you have to disappoint some people to make yourself happy. Otherwise, there'd be no losers in sports.

Below are some catchup links for my new readers:
Who is teaching your children? (This one explains why I wanted to become a teacher)
The confident pessimist story. (My best piece of writing, this explains me when I am at my most confident state)
My insight into a friend (The hint of my ability to see the strengths in others)
K ego boosts me (An Internet friend's insight into me)
Another Daniel ego boosts me (Another Internet friend's insight into me)
Keen insight into me (This person learned from a very good sensei)
Yet more friendly insight (People can see things you can't)

Comments

[kimmaline.livejournal.com]

Maybe this will sound wrong, but I need to say it.

People who put that much stock in what their kids will be are generally displacing their own issues with themselves. I can see your parents wanting you to be happy...but being too emotionally involved in how they get there is wrong and unfair. Your mom can't blame where she's at on you.

If she's not happy, then she's not happy. She can't put that on you. If you were my son, I'd be damned proud of you for sticking up for yourself and deciding that you needed to make some hard choices to find your own happiness.

[stealthcomic.livejournal.com]

Daniel, this woman knows what she's talking about. I can't think of anything that says it better than this.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Well, we have a second. Without objection, the motion passes.

[kimmaline.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That means a lot...I felt I was sticking my neck out. But I do care very much for D, he's always been very supportive of me through my many tribulations in the last year.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Interesting.

[fub.livejournal.com]

It's natural that parents have high hopes for their children. However, it is unfair to blame their own unhappiness on what you did or didn't do. Calling you a 'failure' simply because you chose a different path in life than they had hoped you did, is unfair and unjustified. Trying to guilt-trip you into doing their bidding is a horrible tactic.

Good for you in shrugging and moving on!

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

It's taken me a long time but I've getting there.