Why am I embarrassed about my hobby around certain people?

[Anonymous]

I am completely comfortable with people who share the same interest as me... But when I'm around my family or anyone who doesn't share the same interests, I feel like they are judging me for what I do and they don't understand the passion I have. It makes me feel like my hobbie isn't that important anymore, and it is my life so it makes me feel insecure in general. Is it always this way? for an example, if you are a writer, but aren't famous and haven't accomplished much, but you still get by, why do people judge you based on your superficial accomplishments (college degree, job titles, material possessions)? why can't they see your love for what you do and understand that it's your choice for what you do? I don't want fame/money, why is that proof of success? Success to me is good health and happiness. f*** my family... ugh. can anyone help me with these family get-togethers where they ask "what are you doing?" "you don't have a job?!"(crazy face) "you don't go to college?!" I have very little hope for any true original artists, philosophers or inventors to emerge when we are all being institutionalized and criticized for following our passions (music, writing,photography, science...etc)

Updates

+1 y

"my hobbie"= my passion and job

[Anonymous]

u list that you want good health and happiness. unfortunately in this world. hapiness and health come with having a job, going to school and paying the bills that your hospitals take care of you at. this means having a career, regardless of your hobby, something I'm just now finding out

i own a lexus. an old one (1992) its my first car. it take premium gas (20 cents more than everyone else paying regular). many things go wrong, including today. when my nely fixed power steering pump broke. itll cost money to fix it again. along with all the other current problems it has. I have to go through a junker of a first car because we're not "rich" but we're not "poor" either. and until I get a better paying job/career, I have to deal with a car that breaks down a lot because of how old it is.

in order to be succesful in life, you have to have a car, a signig. other, a career, a place to live and some people say there's a mysterious 5th thing. some hobbys just don't do this and your family just wants you to be successful, even if it doesn't make you exactly "happy". if your not succesful, ull wind up on the street like the high school drop out who lives on my street, picking garbage for a living. do you want to do that?

i suggest college and finding something that will help you pay bills, if its something thatll make you happy too, then great, but you don't always get what you want.

[Opinion Owner]

newly*

[Opinion Owner]

signif.*

[Asker]

I am learning this aswell.. I know I can do great things, but is it worth the risk? And do I really want it? For me to succeed with my hobby I would have to devote my life to it, and potentially neglect some important things in life (besides my selfish need of success). I don't specify my hobby because it is constanly changing (from music to art to fashion, I am passionate about many things but, that passion dies and changes). Am I willing to gamble? I don't think I want that stress.

[Anonymous]

do what you love, don't let anybody hold you back!

[cun7n1nja]

I feel the same way around my family. My mom's side, specifically, because they're very judgemental. It's not that I'm embarrassed, because I don't really care what they think. It's more that I get irritated that they think it's okay to talk down to me, and expect me to take their opinions as the ultimate in wisdom, lmao.

[Armada]

You shouldn't be embarrassed. I find that people would say anything just to make themselves feel higher than you. My family pokes fun at me for being skinny and I just smile and pretend it doesn't bother me when in actuality I want to just leave and go workout before they can get another word in. Do what makes you happy. People can live comfortable lives without degrees though it can be harder but you can always go back to school whenever you're ready. You only live one life. Don't let other people dictate how you live it.

[MyNameIsJonas]

If its just your family you do not feel comfortable around, I think its because of the reasons you just listed. (them making you feel like you should be doing something more lucrative)

Do what makes you happy. My best friend is a photographer. His life is focused around it. He does do some modeling photography, wedding photography when her can. He's not to the point were he is making a living, but he is following his passion. I know one day he will make a career for himself. If you follow what you have a passion for you will be good at it. Don't let anyone hold you back or put a slight on what you love doing.

[Levin]

Well that's the definitive way people can pigeon-hole you without any effort. What do you do? In that one word answer to most people you pronounce your intelligence, entire personality, worth ethic and value to society. Given everyone asks you that within a few moments of meeting, if it isn't something impressive, you're screwed and your other virtues irrelevant. :)

[coolbreeze]

When you are at the family get together's you can always lie and make up something what your doing and it cuts the conversation short. I agree people do judge by job, education, etc. It's society fault that the bar level has been raised so high. If people can't except you for you then forget them. They will never understand. Just do you and be happy. Don't worry about what others think.

[hallowman]

wrong catagory...this belongs under style

[Galaxie500]

You're a writer? That's awesome.

[Galaxie500]

F*** them, they are just jealous because you do what you want, while they are stuck in their colleges/jobs frustrated for doing what they don't want to.