Working College Student Angers Parents By Refusing To Go On Vacation With Them

When you're a college student paying for everything on your own, from gas and food to sorority fees and car payments, every dollar counts.

OP, a college student from Texas, knows this all too well. With summer in full swing, OP is focused on saving up as much as possible. The goal? To avoid burning out during the semester juggling both studying and working.

Earlier in the summer, OP's family took a week-long vacation. It was a fun break, but then the family started talking about another vacation, another whole week away. For OP, the timing wasn't right. More hours at work were needed to save money, and there were also some workshops to attend.

Plus, OP's air conditioner needed fixing, which is crucial when you're dealing with the blistering 200°F heat of a Texas summer.

When OP said no to the second vacation, the family didn’t take it well. They suggested a loan to cover the missed week of work.

Generous, sure, but OP still declined. Taking a loan would mean figuring out how to pay it back later, adding more stress. And frankly, OP just didn't want to leave. The focus was on responsibilities and making sure everything at home, including the AC, was taken care of.

OP's parents were not happy with the decision. They questioned why OP moved out in the first place if they offered a place to stay. They felt OP was being irresponsible with money and emphasized the importance of family time, saying that there would be plenty of time to work later in life.

Despite the pressure, OP stood firm, asserting the right to make their own decisions as an adult. The parents were upset, feeling OP didn't even reconsider the offer. This led OP to turn to Reddit, asking if they were the bad guy in this situation.

From the perspective of someone trying to be financially responsible and independent, OP's stance makes perfect sense. Balancing work and studies is tough, and taking care of immediate needs, like fixing an air conditioner in extreme heat, is a priority.

OP is a college student who pays for everything on their own

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OP is trying to save up as much money as they can during the summer

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OP was already on a vacation with their family but they want to go on another one

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OP wants to stay home and work more hours

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OP's parents offered them a loan to cover for the week OP wouldn't be working

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OP was accused of being irresponsible with their money

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OP's parents are angry with their decision so OP turned to Reddit for help

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Now that's irresponsible

u/GloomyComfort

Incredible generosity on display from OP's parents

u/extinct_diplodocus

The parents are the ones being unreasonable

u/Limp-Star2137

Students need their summertime

u/Having-hope3594

Big family vacations are overrated

u/MustardHustlr

OP is making a responsible choice. Saying no to the vacation, despite the pressure, shows a level of maturity and understanding of personal limits and priorities.

OP isn't just being stubborn; they're considering long-term well-being and financial stability. It’s about setting boundaries and understanding what’s truly important at this stage in life.