Expected to be a full time doctor (60+hours) and also a domestic Goddess. Crumbling.
I'm a 30yo female of indian origin (this is of importance, as family plays a huge role). I'm married. husband is supportive as are in laws.
But...my parents have always expected me to be a superhuman. I'm a doctor and I work 60 hours a week. Now expecting my first child. May have a second down the road. Husband and I decided mutually I want to go part time to 35 hours. Husband is a doctor, and fortunately, we are not struggling for money, no loans or debt. We also don't plan to live a crazy grand lifestyle. ...I want to be there for my kids. At least some of the time, be a present mother. I want to ensure a healthy lifestyle for my family. I've spent the first few decades of life hustling and struggling, working 90 hours a week in residency and experiencing resulting health issues.
But, my parents are vehemently against this and criticizing me. They say I am worthless, and that every woman can handle 60 hour weeks just fine and on top of it, clean their homes every single day, cook every single day (cooking a good indian meal from scratch per their standard takes 1-2 hours) AND are hands on parents. And that if I can't do that, I'm deficient. I should note my own mother is/was a SAHM who never worked, but they always cast judgement on others who didn't have it as well put together as them.
There are days, even now when I have no kids-when my 10-12 hour days exhaust me and I can't just come home, launder, and cook.
On top of it..they expect me to look like a diva. I remember in residency, I had put on some weight (but still healthy BMI). Instead of worrying about my well being, they BLASTED ME about "how my looks embarass them in front of their friends."
I'm giving up. I'm done. I feel like as a woman I can truly never, ever be enough. I'm either not working enough, or I'm not a good enough housewife, or in the future, not a good enough Mom. Oh and, despite my in laws being happy with me, my parents claim I'm a bad DIL to them.
I sometimes wonder what my worth is in this life
Posted Jul 11, 2026, 2:26 PM UTC