Is it normal i feel like my parents control my life?

This may take a bit of explaining, so please bear with me.

I'm 22 and about to graduate college with a degree in writing. I chose my own major without any input from my parents, and they were extremely supportive of my decision.

My father is in the military and has been for most of his life. He has served overseas in Iraq twice and is set to go back this autumn. He was able to transfer his military education benefits to me, meaning that the government essentially paid for 3 years of my college education.

Since I'm about to graduate, my parents' expectation is that I will find a job somewhere nearby fairly quickly. They are insistent that I search for a job and constantly pressure me to send out my resume.

However, I am not a work-in-an-office type of person. I am extremely introverted and find it difficult to work in environments with many people, but there are few lines of work outside an office you can get with a writing degree.

On top of that, I have done little with my life so far. I would love to travel, but I've never been off the East Coast. My dream for a long time has been to go to London. I can't explain why, but I've always been drawn to the city. I passed up on the opportunity to go two years ago for a summer semester and have regretted it ever since. I would love to spend some time there after graduation before starting a job, but my parents would hate the idea. 

So my question is basically this: Do I owe it to my parents to follow their idea of how to live my life, or can I do what I want without feeling guilty? 

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 58 votes (46 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 10 )
  • Strongn'ready

    That is not fair. You are 22, your parents do not control what you do. I Suggest you move out.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Dede1221

    I only get one shoot at life. I may not know everything about life but I know that one can live it for me because when I stand before God, one is going to b there but me. So I will repestfully listen to my parents guidlines for the life thay think is right. But honestly the decision to live that way is souly up to me

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Zombie4U

    Do what you want it is your life. However if they still support you and you live with them they do have some control. Just tell them what you want and talk about it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • com999

    I don't think it's controlling to want your child to get a job. Maybe your not describing it correctly because it doesn't sound too controling but you could be leaving out details so I don't know.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Doctorknowsbest

    Are your parents successful? Have they given you bad advice?Do they listen to your ideas? Look do they have a good track record? The human brain does not fully mature until age 25. So if you answered yes to these questions stay with the program. We all have to serve somebody.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I feel my mother is a little controlling but the worst part is she doesn't actually know she's doing it.

    And if I even vaguely speak up or try to show I'm upset/affected, somehow I'm being silly or ridiculous.

    But yet she's my mother and I love her but I want to live my own life in my own way. Apron strings can be suffocating lol XD

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Ldizzy1234

    I understand how you feel. My parents are a little controlling as well. But at the end of the day, I think that maybe its for my own good. If anything, I think they're just trying to show you a little guidance. However, I don't think that it should leave you any reason for feeling guilty in whatever you decide.
    Do what you feel is best for you. Good luck!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Gezzatron

    My mum controls my love life... Now I'm married and depressed cos she made me marry someone I don't love and getting paid for it cos The guy needs to get his permanent resistance

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • GlassDarkly31

    Do what you want and never look back. Parents look at their children as possessions, thinking that they control them. The only way to break that idea (because they don't own you) is take control yourself. Good luck.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • IIN2?uestionlife

    Do what you want. It may sound selfish but its YOUR life. You have to choose who and what your going to be. They have guided you in the right direction your whole life but now its your turn. Just one mans opinion though.

    Comment Hidden ( show )