3 ms·

I can relate, too. My mom was a single mom, and for much of my childhood, she worked as a lunch lady where she made about $375 a month after taxes and the exto

I can relate, too. My mom was a single mom, and for much of my childhood, she worked as a lunch lady where she made about $375 a month after taxes and the extortionately priced (IMO) insurance plan we were offered. She's now 60 and still works 12 hour days in a factory and has no retirement to speak of really. I do carry a lot of guilt that I easily make more in a week than she makes in a month, but at the same time, I know that's what she wanted for me when I was a kid. She was incredibly supportive of my hobby of programming and "computer stuff." She was super encouraging when it came to technology and learning more about it. I think she knew it would lead to a better life for me in the end, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful to her. And hey now that I'm doing well, I'm sure to return the favor whenever I'm able to (though she's rather proud so I usually have to slip it in around her birthday or Christmas ;)). So while yeah I still carry a bit of conflict over it, I also see it's what she wanted all along and am sure to show my appreciation as much as humanly possible.

bm1362 13y ago
I'm of a similar background. My brother and I are both software devs, making more than 3x as much out of college than her at 62. We both collectively send enough money that she has retired and stopped working. It's not my decision to make for you of course but you should consider reducing the burden.
F_d_anconia 13y ago
You're mother sounds like mine. That being said, I can almost guarantee that the single thing your mother wants for you is to be happy. I can also almost guarantee that what makes HER happy is knowing she did her part to provide the best possible situation for you to become successful and more importantly happy. What's funny is that us (the offspring) feel guilt over the one thing that both us and our parents had been striving for (our personal success). I am by no means successful by coloquial definition but I remember when my mother and I were living on welfare. I remember when I would help her with her janitorial job (it was embarrassing and I couldn't stand seeing her do it). But tl:dr... She and my father are comfortable now and I'm happily living paycheck to paycheck in the city I love. Come future success or not (I hope for the former) I support my mother's dream of seeing me happy and successful as she supports my dream of building a successful company. So do yourself a favor and called your mother, tell you you love her and you're happy with the life you have and will have. She'll appreciate it. Tl:dr:Call your damn mother and tell her you love her. Be happy with the success that you have that she set you up for the best she could.
deleted 13y ago
[deleted]

bm1362 13y ago

I'm of a similar background. My brother and I are both software devs, making more than 3x as much out of college than her at 62. We both collectively send enough money that she has retired and stopped working. It's not my decision to make for you of course but you should consider reducing the burden.

F_d_anconia 13y ago

You're mother sounds like mine. That being said, I can almost guarantee that the single thing your mother wants for you is to be happy. I can also almost guarantee that what makes HER happy is knowing she did her part to provide the best possible situation for you to become successful and more importantly happy. What's funny is that us (the offspring) feel guilt over the one thing that both us and our parents had been striving for (our personal success). I am by no means successful by coloquial definition but I remember when my mother and I were living on welfare. I remember when I would help her with her janitorial job (it was embarrassing and I couldn't stand seeing her do it). But tl:dr... She and my father are comfortable now and I'm happily living paycheck to paycheck in the city I love. Come future success or not (I hope for the former) I support my mother's dream of seeing me happy and successful as she supports my dream of building a successful company. So do yourself a favor and called your mother, tell you you love her and you're happy with the life you have and will have. She'll appreciate it. Tl:dr:Call your damn mother and tell her you love her. Be happy with the success that you have that she set you up for the best she could.

deleted 13y ago

[deleted]