Why can't I do anything right?

Question

My parents are never happy with what I do or want to do. I've worked some extremely varied and back-breaking jobs. I worked with my father as a custodian for a few years and now I'm going to college and still can't seem to make my parents happy. My mother just told me today that going to college is a cover up for not wanting to work. I got really angry when she said that and went for a drive. I don't believe my parents ever had enough confidence in me throughout my entire life, though they would argue otherwise. I was in the Marine Corps for a little over 2 years which didn't help at all. After I got out, my parents still didn't support my wanting to act but they paid back an educational loan that was nearly 10K for computer classes which never got me anywhere. So, am I gonna be stuck working as a custodian like my father for the rest of my life? I sure as hell hope not. Not that it's a bad job or anything but I have more skills than what a custodial position expects.

I have already taken Spanish, English, and a health class and plan on attending again this fall for more general ed. I just hope I'm finally going in the right direction.

Oh, also, I don't live with my parents... I only visited them today when my mom said what she did.

Answer 1

That is such a nasty feeling. My mom can take my spirits down quicker and sharper than anyone and I bet she loves me more than anyone, which is just WIERD. In my humble opinion friend, you are on the right track from the sounds of it. When it comes to moms, they are near impossible to figure out...I'm 24 and beginning to learn to accept more of mine's criticisms as just her opinion or strange mind games which stem from something that may have nothing to do with me. I love to hear what she says still though! I always feel wonderful when she supports me...which she usually does. If you are in school for the right reasons and you are getting closer to finding a path to follow...you will not be a janitor. I am a college grad and I would suggest to anyone starting out to pick classes based on what job you want...be careful taking classess willy nilly just cause they're fun. It will derail you. Preprofessional fields are great. Look into different types of therapists, medical and educational paraprofessionals, business degrees, graphic designing, etc. These jobs give you true "skills". Acting is a skill, but those who are successful at it rarely need a class to learn how to do it. Ya get me? Good luck buddy. I believe in you. Hehehe..

Answer 2

The question is are YOU satisfied with what you have and what you do? You need to find a way to make yourself happy and stop letting what they want affect your decisions. Sorry to say this but if they were gone tomorrow, what would make you satisfied? Would you still be worrying over what they would have thought of what you're trying to do? Work on developing your esteem so you don't have to be concerned about what others think about you.

Answer 3

to me it sounds as if your parents may be a little scarred.
I think that when you start going in your life better than they have, they get nervous that you wont have any respect for them or look up to them. it could also be that they secretly have tried to succeed in a specific are before and failed, and they don't want you to feel how they did.
Just keep going, you are doing something that is good for you. Prove yourself. Let your parents know that they raised you well; and that you will always have respect for them.
You are doing great in life.... don't let anything stop you.

Good luck! ;-D

Answer 4

If your parents can't accept you and support you, then you need to get rid of having that negative energy around you. My husband's mother did him so wrong. She stole from him, tried to keep him from school, and all sorts of other terrible things. He hasn't spoken to her in 3 years. And now he is a proud Airborne Infantryman in the Army, and all we need is each other, and she wasn't a part of any of it. Sometimes having friends and family just isn't that important anymore. You're a grown man, and you shouldn't be treated like a child and have to try to please or impress your parents. That's ridiculous. Sometimes when parents aren't happy with their own lives, they want to live the one that they wanted through their children. Or it could be that your parents don't want to give you any credit or satisfaction, because they don't want you to feel like you don't need them. Just always remember to do want you want and what makes you happy, no matter what anyone says!

Answer 5

I feel the same way like....24/7. Best treatment is to finmish the things you started and do what you say you are gonna do. Good luck and chillax, we all have that problem sometimes....ttyl, peace. =]

Answer 6

The first thing to do is remove yourself from all that negativity. It seems to me that you are doing ok aside from that. You don't need anybody to tell you how to live your life, as far as I can tell by your picture. Move on, dude.

Answer 7

Do what you want to do. I sounds like you should forget what your parents think your an adult and you can make your own decisions and don't need their approval

Answer 8

Dude, just bc your parents arent satisfied ( or you for that matter) with your job situations so far doesnt mean "you cant do anything right". Who left them in charge? Do what you love, want to go to school. then go for it! good-luck

Answer 9

parents will forever worry about their kids...if you do everything they want you to do you will have a miserable life...tell your mom you are grown up ...and can make your own decisions....she won't like to hear it ....but thats just the way life is...