...does your family approve or support you as a writer?

Philippines
May 22, 2011 1:11am CST
I know that families has this nasty habit of comparing everything - from clothing, possessions to jobs and investments. In my case, families reunions are like sharing notes on every family member. Sometimes inside the family itself, there is an on-going competition on who gets the biggest paycheck, the fastest promotion etc. When I finally ventured as a writer, my mom supported me since she knows that I do well in this field. However, I think she would have hopes of me having a 'stable' job like teaching or being an office employee and earning a 'stable' paycheck. But she doesn't say a word. The rest of my family doesn't know that I have a job (albeit part-time) and are constantly surprised when I actually get paid to write. They say I don't have a future in this industry. I don't argue with them since it never gets resolve anyway. Besides, I love my job. That's all to it. So, has a family member, friend or relative tell you that you're better not writing and doing something instead?
3 responses
dlpierce
@dlpierce (495)
• United States
23 May 11
My family supports me as a writer. I thought for awhile my husband didn't. He never read much of what I wrote or gave me his opinion on it until recently. It wasn't until others took interest in my writing that he became curious about it himself.
babshealing
@babshealing (5)
• New Zealand
23 May 11
My family always tells me I am not good enough for anything. They always tell me its my sister that knows how to write as she has done many courses. But it is me that has published a book, I had been asked to write a book by a publisher, and when the book came out my family was very surprised and gave me positive feed back. As sooner as we let go of the need of others approval as sooner we can go on and may even get the approval without needing it.
EstiiBabii
@EstiiBabii (685)
• United States
22 May 11
My family supports me as a writer, and knows that I love writing and it is my passion. I can't stand it when families are always trying to stop their children from doing what makes them happy. It's like where else are you going to get the support that you need to succeed. But, hang in there because eventually it'll pay off for you. It's not about the money, it's about happiness.