AITA for yelling at at my parents because they let me go I do debt?
In a sleek Silicon Valley dining room, tension crackles like static electricity. A young grad, fresh from UT Austin’s computer science program, sits across from their high-earning parents, whose sharp words cut deeper than any student loan bill. They’ve just lost their job, and with $65,000 in debt looming, the dinner table becomes a battleground. Why? Their parents, flush with cash, never paid a cent for college, deeming their child “unworthy” while praising a friend’s Ivy League success.
This clash isn’t just about money—it’s about unmet expectations and bruised pride. Readers, you might feel the sting of being measured against an impossible standard. How does a young adult navigate parental judgment when the stakes are this high? Let’s dive into this Reddit saga and unpack the drama.
‘AITA for yelling at at my parents because they let me go I do debt?’
![Dad chimed in saying that I would've gotten responses if my GPA was higher (for reference it's a 3.4). Then he said 'Look at \[best friend's name\]. He will make so much money once he graduates. I wish he was my son.'.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/235480ct-05.png)
![I then blew up at them, saying that normal parents would feel proud of their son for getting into UT Austin, graduating on time with a 3.4 GPA in CS doesn't mean that I'm a failure, I would've gotten a higher GPA if I didn't have to work 30-40 hours a week to afford rent and food, \[best friend's name\] graduated magna c** laude because he could focus only on schoolwork as his parents paid for everything (food, rent, and tuition),](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/235480ct-06.png)
This family dinner turned into a pressure cooker, with the original poster (OP) caught between financial strain and parental disdain. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes, “Criticism is a wish disguised as a complaint” (Gottman Institute). Here, the parents’ harsh comparisons mask their desire for their child’s success—but their delivery is a masterclass in miscommunication.
The OP’s outburst reflects a deeper issue: conditional parental support. While they’re not entitled to financial aid, the parents’ wealth and refusal to help amplify the sting of their criticism. Cultural expectations, especially in some Asian families, often tie worth to academic prestige, leaving the OP feeling like a second-class citizen in their own home.
This scenario mirrors a broader issue—parental pressure in the face of rising education costs. In 2023, U.S. student debt hit $1.7 trillion (Federal Reserve). The OP’s $65,000 debt, coupled with job loss, is a heavy load without emotional support. Counseling, as suggested by commenters, could help the OP set boundaries and process this dynamic.
For solutions, the OP might consider job placement agencies specializing in tech, like Robert Half, to rebound quickly. Open communication—calmly addressing their parents’ expectations—could also pave the way for mutual understanding, though it’s a tough road.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
Reddit’s hot takes are as spicy as that dinner table showdown! Here’s what the community had to say:
These opinions pack a punch, but do they capture the full picture? The internet loves a good roast, yet real-world family dynamics are rarely so black-and-white.
This tale of debt and family friction hits home for anyone who’s felt dwarfed by parental expectations. The OP’s journey—from grinding through college to facing unemployment—deserves applause, not shade. What would you do if your family’s criticism overshadowed your achievements? Share your thoughts below—have you ever clashed over money or expectations? Let’s keep the conversation going!
