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I (19M) moved from the Balkans to Germany with my family when I was 12. After finishing 10th grade, I wanted to become a doctor, so at 16 I moved back to the Balkans alone to attend a medical vocational high school. The idea was to get a better foundation before university.

During those three years I built a life there. I made close friends, found an amazing girlfriend, and genuinely felt happy. My parents had the money for me to stay there for university, but after I graduated they suddenly insisted I come back to Germany. I didn't want to leave because of the life I'd built, but they told me that if I refused, I'd be on my own financially. So I went.

The hardest part was leaving my girlfriend. We've been together for 2.5 years, and instead of asking me to stay, she supported me and agreed to do long distance for however long it took. She's honestly been my biggest supporter.

The problem is that once I got back, my parents changed the rules. At first they said they didn't care what I studied as long as it was in Germany. Now they're demanding that I study medicine.

The thing is, I don't want to anymore. After everything that's happened, I've lost all motivation for it. I'm much more interested in economics or robotics now, but every time I bring it up they shut me down. They tell me they know what's best, that I have to listen because they're my parents, and if I don't, they'll kick me out and let me figure life out myself.

What hurts even more is that they absolutely hate my girlfriend for no reason I can understand. She's never been anything but kind and supportive, yet they constantly insult her and call her names. She's encouraged me through every difficult decision, including moving away from her, but they act like she's the problem.

I know my parents want me to have a stable future, and I appreciate everything they've done for me. I also know I'm incredibly lucky to have opportunities that many people would kill for. My parents are willing and able to pay for my education, and I realize that's a privilege most people never get. Sometimes I even feel spoiled or entitled for wanting something different when so many people would love to be in my position. But at the same time, it feels like every time I give in, they take even more control over my life. First it was where I lived, now it's what I study, and I don't know where it ends.

Honesly, at this point I'd almost rather struggle on my own than keep living someone else's plan for my life.

So AITA?