One of the many topics that are often discussed would be whether the eldest child of the family should be responsible for their siblings.
Just recently, a Malaysian has shared her feelings on a Twitter confession page. In her confession she said, “I would like to get some advice. I am the eldest in my family and I have 5 siblings. I’m currently working in a law firm and my boss has suggested I continue my studies and pursue law.”
“She told me that I can do my studies online so I can continue to work and study at the same time. She was a lecturer prior to practicing law now but I know that law is not what I want to take,” she explained.
“I’m interested in psychology and when I told my boss about it, she is still supportive of my decision.”
She then mentioned that she managed to get a placement in one of the universities and when she told her parents about it, they didn’t seem very supportive of her decision to continue her studies.
“They told me that I still have many siblings and that it’s just an online study course. I can do it when I’m older”, she added.
Then, her parents changed the topic and told her to get married soon.
“Why do I need to sacrifice so much for my siblings? I’m only 21 and I’m working, I can pay for my own studies. I want to pursue a degree and most of my friends are pursuing their studies too. Is this really a sacrifice I need to bear just because I’m the eldest?“, she said.
She then ended the post by saying that she feels like it is unfair for her parents to expect her to sacrifice her future for the sake of her siblings.
“I want to tell them it’s unfair and I want to fight back, but I don’t want to be labelled as unfilial. Please tell me, what should I do?”
Shouldn’t have to sacrifice your future for someone else!
Many netizens were supportive and most of them told her to continue her studies regardless.
“It’s not your responsibility to take of your siblings, the responsibility lies within your parents. You want to pursue your studies, it’s not something you should take lightly.”
“You should continue your studies. I hope your parents will be able to come to terms with it and accept it with open arms. Even if they don’t just let it be, you’re old enough to make your own decisions,” said a user.
Another commented, “You don’t need to sacrifice for your siblings. Just do what you need to do and to be honest with you, not everyone will appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made.”
“Absolutely no. When you’re old, would your siblings help you or sacrifice themselves for you?“, asked one netizen.
What would you have done if you’re in her position?
