Someone I grew up with had a parent famous enough to be an answer to a Trivial Pursuit question. I just happened upon the daughter’s name on the internet. It turns out she recently co-wrote a book with her mother. It’s so easy to find a job after college when your mother’s famous! As far as I can tell, she hasn’t done anything significant on her own. My own parents have never helped me get one single job, and it’s impossible not to resent someone who can ride on their parents’ success.
I know, examples of this abound. This one bugs me in particular because I knew her and she’s working in a field related to mine.
So, it’s a fact of life and there’s not much you can do about it. Take our current PotUSA, for example. Them’s the breaks. Don’t worry about what other people get in life for free, just go out and get yours and you’ll be a lot less frustrated.
I, on the other hand, owe so very much to my parents. They are not famous nor even particularly successful. They are lower-middle class blue collar folk who have worked hard all their lives.
They provided me with a place to sleep as I was going to college. They nurtured me as I grew and nurtured my dreams as well. All that I am I owe to my own effort and theirs.
Others may have had it easier, but I don’t resent them for it; just as I do not resent the universe when life is good for me.
Rejoice in your accomplishments, for they are yours.
My dad is fairly well known in my industry in Australia (although this is diminishing since he left the country and has taken time off to study)
The main effect that I see is that people say “Oh, you’re John’s kid”. I try and avoid trading on the name because I want there to be no doubt about my success. To that end, there are certain places that I won’t work until I am established in my own right in my career. Both he and I work hard to avoid even the appearance of me riding on his success.
It bugs me that people think that I am where I am based on my dad, or try and get close to me to influence my dad, or think of me only as “John’s kid” and not a person in my own right.
My mum’s an actress, well-known in the deaf community, and growing up I got a few jobs on TV because of her. It was fun, but that’s all. I’m no actress myself.
My mom is one of the top people in the world in her field. Famous enough to write her own ticket into and out of government work. Respected enough to semi-retire when she wanted to and live off her riches and now does similar work for Native American reservations (and still getting a lot for lending her name to various other think tanks and such).
She’s helped several of my pals get jobs and introductions. She’s hired them when necessary and put them in good position where she could.
But for me and my sibs? Nothing. We’re on our own. We all get 5 years of college schooling and she pays for a wedding. After that we’re on our own.
That’s not to say she wouldn’t help if we hit bottom…far from it. But that’s what it would take. Other people can have charity from mom…we stand on our own.
