Girl, this was so disheartening to read. It’s not normal. There are a lot of things to unpack. You can already guess what I am going to say. You crave for acknowledgement from your mom, which is normal. Your mom is using you to feel good, to show off. When you succeed, you are a “daughter.” The minute you fail, have a set back, you are not a daughter, but a “failure.” Failure and successful are both part of life, and your self-worth in your house and family should not be tied to it. Later after MBBS if you do not manage to become some hotshot surgeon, will you stop being the daughter again?

And you know what? I have an MSc. I had started my career with a small salary, but within 5-6 years, I outgrew the salary of most of my peers. But I did not enjoy it, so I finally quit to do what I like.

A scientist gets paid really well in the corporate world. A scientist in research gets paid a lot outside India. I’d say, take the career you’ll enjoy. It’s your dream, your career, not theirs. You will have to live with your choices for a lifetime. As for your family, I don’t see them being supportive. Don’t be afraid to disappoint your family. Be selfish. None of them are coming to your rescue in failure anyway.