Which is more important? Our personal happiness or our parents’ happiness? I was doing well in my life Alhamdulillah, slowly going towards my goal in life. But recently due to some events I had to choose between my dream and my parents’. I wasn’t pressurized into doing anything, it was completely my decision, but I just couldn’t be selfish and do what I liked while making my parents unhappy.

I am having to look after my father’s business and if I was not doing this, the business would have closed soon. I am not really enjoying it but I know I will learn the trade within a few years but sometimes it’s overwhelming for me, knowing I could have been happier doing what I liked.

I am still not sure whether what I chose was right. Would like your opinion on what you would do when it comes to making such decisions.

Solution by an expert

You have beautifully described the situation you have going through. As you are saying you had to choose between your dream and your parent’s dream. Of course, that was a tough decision for you to take. I can feel it dear but it’s very nice to hear that you have got such wonderful parents who didn’t force you to do so. You are definitely an amazing daughter who is valuing the desires of her parents but it’s very important to think about ourselves first and what we want.  Unless you are happy with what you are doing and enjoying, it will be difficult for you to keep your parents and others happy. Eventually it will have a negative impact on your every relationship. Perhaps you can also fall in love with the job you are doing currently. But if you won’t, someday you will regret and feel “I wish I chose otherwise”.