When Your Family Doesn’t Understand Your Path

My parents wanted something secure for me — lawyer, banker, maybe a government job. The kind of path they could explain to uncles at weddings, the kind they could pray over with confidence. But that’s not the life I chose. And for a long time, I carried the guilt of disappointing people who only meant well.

It’s hard to chase your own future when you feel like you’re abandoning theirs.

Korede T.

🥺 The Unspoken Tension Between Love and Misunderstanding

They never yelled. They never insulted. But their silence when I told them I wanted to work in media — or freelance — or start a business — was loud.

“Are you sure?”
“Will this one pay you well?”
“So what exactly do you do now?”

Even when they smiled, I felt the ache beneath it — like they were grieving a dream they had for me that I didn’t live out.

⚖️ Learning to Carry My Dreams Without Apology

I used to over-explain everything. I’d show receipts. Send screenshots of money made. Quote names and companies to sound “legit.”

But I realized: they don’t need to fully understand it to respect it.
Their world is different. Their fears are real. But my life — my choices — are valid.

So I started standing taller in my truth.
Not in rebellion. Not in pride. But in clarity.

❤️ What Helped Me Feel Okay Again

• I stopped looking for full approval and settled for respect

• I gave them time — and gave myself grace

• I started measuring success by my own peace, not their expectations

Now, I work quietly. They’ve softened. They don’t always get it — but they see that I’m not lost, I’m just taking a different road.

And that’s enough.

💬 Can Your Parents Explain What You Do?

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