Do I stay and work with my dad or follow my dreams?

Career Advice

I’ve been working for my dad for the past 4 years. I’ve never liked the job and have wanted to quit for a long time and every attempt to do so has been countered with a raise or a threat to start making me pay rent if I don’t work for him (I’ve moved out since then). I’ve made it clear to my dad that this job is not a forever thing for me. I should mention that he’s a terrible boss and has a difficult time keeping employees. Fast forward to the present I have a wife and baby, I have rent and bills to pay, I’m barely scraping by; at this point I’m kinda stuck bc of financial obligations for one. If I tried to go anywhere else they’re not gonna pay me nearly as much and I can’t risk that for my family. Additionally I’m put underneath the stress that my dad cannot run this business without me. Not only am I convinced of this, but my dad has also admitted that he doesn’t think business will survive without me. He has no backup plan, no retirement, and not hardly any money set aside in case it crashes. I’m a little resentful towards the job bc I’ve been forced to work full time hours since I was 17. Besides a good work ethic, I feel like I have no real skills; however, I have always dreamt of being a voice actor. I’ve taken classes for years, have all the necessary equipment, and believe I could pursue it at a competitive level. I also have connections in the industry and could pursue it if I gave it my all, I cannot do so whilst working for my dad. That being said, what do I do? Do I cut it off with my dad’s company and pursue voice acting but at the same time risk hurting my parents livelihood, or stay there to make sure my dad can continue to provide for my mom and little brother but put my life on hold until my dad works himself to his grave or decides to work somewhere else?

Posted Apr 8, 2025, 9:18 PM UTC

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