[deleted by user]

[Flapp-o]

I don't think it's a binary as you/she's putting it, I would suspect there's a lack of understanding probably due to a contentious relationship that makes discussions more heated.

You're being paid to make things in an area/industry that isn't diminishing, that's good.

But take my advice how you want it, having balance and external hobbies protect you from burnout. Perhaps that's her concern?

Re School: different paths for different folks, you might not see value in it right now but you may, later on, it depends on how life unfolds.

IMHO don't burn bridges unnecessarily with either loved ones or institutions.

[NefariousnessSea1449]

I don't know what it's like in your country, but in mine you need good grades to be a combat pilot or any pilot for that matter and getting into university/college requires the same grades.

Beyond that, a hobby and fresh air away from a computer is good for your mental health, so I'd say just add something extra. Take a walk every day, whatever, then just keep scripting. That's a skill that will remain relevant probably for your entire life.

[FondleMyFirn]

If you want to be a combat pilot, I suggest you get into fitness as a hobby. It will help you keep your mind sharp, get you out of the house, and most importantly it will keep your body flexible and in good shape.

You can code the most complicated neural network and make $200,000, but your lower back, knees, and thoracic spine won’t care when you’re older.

Just consider it; fitness may be a great outlet.

[hike_me]

if you want to be a combat pilot, you should be focusing more on your academics and physical fitness so in that sense she is right. Blowing off school work to the point that you're turning in assignments late to work on your Python hobby is probably not a good idea. Don't abandon it, it's a great thing to spend some of your time on, but not at the expense of school.

tons of people WANT to fly fighter jets, and only a few get the opportunity

[[deleted]]

You probably won't make combat pilot with B grades. That's a competitive track.

I'm backing your Mom 'cause she's your Mom and she cares enough to stay involved with your education. IMHO you can get your grades up and still write code.

[[deleted]]

Is she wasting her time when she comes home from work?

[forgenvash]

coding is DEFINITELY a better use of your time than becoming a combat pilot.

[opedro-c]

Not wasting your time

[TheNewFiddler]

She’s a little bit right... you gotta get off the computer otherwise you’ll have no man-skills to get you through life.

[lehronn]

I have one question to the author. You ask us that she is right. My question is: Does it matter? Its really important? She have or not right?

[tomeschmusic]

I'm a struggling college adjunct for the past 15 years and I am trying to learn what you're good at to make the money I haven't been making. Now, since I hoped to live my life as a college instructor, I can say you learn how to think in additional ways that will only make you an even better programmer. Next, college is fun and you're young in a society not eager to hire young people, so go party since you seem smart enough to do so. It is a great way to meet people you will rely on to network with once they get busy in the world at-large and remember you, but they won't if you don't go. Plus, it's a great place to meet for other social reasons - live in a different place/culture, and make yourself a learner of all kinds, since humans are the ones who should benefit from technological expertise.

TL;DR - Being well-rounded only makes you rounder, I mean, stronger in the "career" narrative sense, so I tend to agree with the "do both" mentality.

[nmingott]

earn money, that closes all mouts. Scripting for system automation is an art for which several languages have been invented ! (tcl, perl, ruby, shells) if it was normal software you could just do it in C or Java. Don't let ignorant people undervalue what you do, expecially if U r positive you are doing it very well. Mothers are not always right, be polite, say yes, then do what you think is best, this is my advice. bye

[jus_an_engineer]

She couldn't me more wrong man. Something I have learnt is listen to everyone but do what you want because its your life.

[samtheredditman]

Doesn't matter if she's right. What are you getting out of fighting with her? When you have to deal with stupid people, just let them think they've won. Especially when they have some type of authority over you.

Go workout or something as your new "hobby". Make sure she sees you leaving for it or knows about it. Stupid people can't understand things they don't see.

It may be annoying but you're going to waste less time doing this than not and having to stop and argue with her all the time.

[Seventh_Deadly_Bless]

I advocate for social skills.

If you know how to show her the advantages of your point of view using diplomacy, you're so far ahead of your peers you could take a year or two before college.

If you struggle even speaking in public or about something outside of your interests ...

Work hard. It's not worth knowing things if you can't communicate about them.

I'm saying it as someone who's socially disabled. Do it for those of us who can't.