They can never be happy for me?

[Travelfairy]

Recently decided at the ripe old age of 46 to return to college to retrain as a Psychotherapist.

Had to go through a process to be accepted on to course etc was delighted to get a place. Told DM & Dsis, replies I got where,
'Oh I would never do that'
'Is there any point doing that at your age?'
'Listening to peoples problems all day would be draining'
'I'm shocked you would consider that'
'Wouldn't have had you down for working in that area'

Is this jealousy or what?

I feel quite hurt, they are always trying to put me down in one way or another. I am only a couple of months into the course but enjoying it so far.

YABU - they are just goving their opinion
YANBU - no need for some of these comments

You really don’t like your sister
And your sister and mother don’t seem particularly fond or you.
So… I wouldn’t be living in the same village as them personally but if I didn’t have any choice - I sure as heck wouldn’t be having them visit or engaging with them! Don’t be a sucker for punishment

OP- this is amazing. Dont think of this as a negative thing, think of this as the universe sending you confirmation that you're making the right choice- its literally giving you study material.

Their reactions are a curious tangle of psychological scripts, cognitive dissonances, learned behaviour, projection and fear. Instead of being upset by them, take a Ted Lasso approach and be curious about it. Start to reflect where such reactions might come from and why. This isnt about you at all I'm afraid, it's about them and thats the first thing you'll learn in psychotherapy training.

Treat this as a golden opportunity and your first case study 🤔

Omg yes! First case study, that's a brilliant way of looking at it, thank you. Your post makes so much sense 👏

I got much the same from my mum when I announced I was going to study to be a nurse at 45. With her I think it was underlying anxiety that I was taking on too much.. my youngest child was only 3. She was also quite an anxious person in general. I went ahead anyway...and she became my biggest supporter once she knew I was serious! hopefully your family will come round too!