Would you judge me?

[SAB10]

I'm a traveller (as in new age, not Romany or Irish). I grew up in buses and caravans. Most of my friends and family are still travellers and have various self employed jobs (mainly festival work or jewellery making, that kind of thing). I now live in a flat and a home owner and have a professional job (lawyer). I'm kind of struggling to reconcile the two halves of my life, if that makes any sense? I don't really know what I'm asking. I feel judged on both sides - I'm nowhere near posh enough for my colleagues (as in we have verrrry little in common) and then my friends and family think I think I'm better than them. Does anyone else have similar experience?

It's also really awkward because I keep getting money requests...

You do you.
Most immigrants have felt like you at one time or another, the answer (for me) is forging your own path and reaching out to people in similar circumstances.

Of course I wouldn’t judge you. If I were a family member I’d be proud of you if anything. You found something you are passionate about, you made it into a career, that’s something to celebrate. Maybe it’s a bit of jealousy on their part? Which makes them feel that you think that you’re better than them. That’s their insecurity and you’ve done nothing wrong. As for your work colleagues, don’t change who you are just to fit in. If they don’t like you, that’s their problem, not yours.

It's culture shock. You have two worlds and aren't at home in either. It has benefits, it also has costs.

My advice, look for the other people with it. Immigrants, people who don't fit the type, the people on the edges. You can make your own place.

I wouldn't judge (I know ppl say that and then often do)
but I would find it interesting

I had a big shift from one kind of life to another, although not as poles apart as yours.
It's unsettling trying to work out a new normal.
If you've qualified as a lawyer you've worked bloody hard so don't feel guilt tripped into giving away your money.
You made this choice. Don't feel you have to fund someone who made a different choice.
In time I think you'll see it's actually great to have such a wide understanding of life and different folks. Some people have such narrow views and limited horizons and can't comprehend that other people don't have identical lives.
You see it often in some MN responses to posters.
I can fit in absolutely anywhere and talk to anyone. I bet you're the same.
Just give yourself time and try not to stress. And anyone who judges you is a twat. So there :)

Interesting how?

Not at all, I admire people who have done what they want opposed to what's expected or typical.

The class thing is funny, isn't it? You could work somewhere where everyone has particular interests that you don't share and feel left out, but add in the class factor and you're left feeling inferior, which you're not at all. You've had the same training and passed the same exams.

If anyone judges, that days more about their own insecurities than you.

I've worked with lawyers for around 30 years. I can think of only 4 that were/are posh but that's because of their family, not the job.

Congrats for all youve achieved.

@runnerblade95

having read that again I see that I have "judged" as it made me think "that's interesting" not in a bad way - but probably made me feel a bit nosy if I'm honest about the OP's life, choices etc.