College can be very expensive. For many people, relying on loans that require years of repayment becomes the only option. While others are fortunate to have their parents cover the cost, this can sometimes come with its own set of conditions. A Redditor recently shared how he agreed to sponsor his daughter’s tuition only on the condition that she studies computer science. When she chose to pursue a different course, he was quite displeased.

More info: Reddit

Parental support for college can be a double-edged sword; it eases financial stress but can also come with expectations and potential conflict

Image credits: Keira Burton (not the actual photo)

The author refused to pay his daughter’s tuition because she lied about her major

Image credits: Rodolfo Quirós (not the actual photo)

He thought he had talked her into studying computer science but found out she was majoring in illustration

Image credits: Monstera Production (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Lopsided_Recover109

His decision did not sit well with his wife and daughter and they are upset with him

The poster agreed to fund his daughter’s education on the condition that she majored in computer science. He expressed concerns about the job security of an illustration major, a field he believes his daughter is passionate about but lacks promising career prospects.

However, the daughter reportedly chose to pursue illustration despite the agreement. This came to light when the father discovered mail addressed to his daughter regarding an art exhibition showcasing her work. He offered his daughter three options: pay for her own education, seek financial support from her mother, or begin repaying what he considers “stolen” money used for her studies.

The author maintains his stance, claiming he was deceived and his financial support was contingent on a specific academic path. However, his wife disagrees, calling his response “unreasonable” and suggesting a 19-year-old cannot be expected to shoulder the entire financial burden of their education.

The daughter, unsurprisingly, is also upset with her father’s decision.

Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)

“The decisions we make in our early life (e.g what school we go to, the subjects we choose to study, the decision to go to university/college, the courses we choose) can impact our career path,” according to an article by Midkent College.

“If this decision is heavily swayed by parental preference, the child may end up following a vocation that, deep down, they aren’t interested in. At the same time, without practical guidance and support when pursuing interests, poor choices can be made.” While the poster may have their daughter’s best interests at heart, forcing her into a specific career path can often lead to resentment. 

Many young people pressured into studying a specific field end up pursuing their true passions later, regardless of the financial security their chosen path may have offered. It’s important to consider this from the child’s perspective and recognize that while traditional careers like doctor, lawyer, or engineer were once considered the gold standard, today’s diverse job market includes nontraditional paths like influencer or content creation, which can also be fulfilling and lucrative.

At the end of the day the father needs to recognize that it is his daughter’s choice regardless of his feelings towards the choice of career. But what do you think? Is this just a case of a father looking after his child or subtle way to push his own agenda on his child? Let’s hear from you in the comments below! 

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Commenters shared their displeasure with the poster

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