You cannot be taken advantage of if you are truly giving, because genuine giving comes with zero expectation of return. The feeling of being taken advantage of is an internal signal that your "gift" was actually a disguised transaction with unspoken expectations.
For young people pursuing non-traditional careers, parental discomfort is a preferable outcome to seeking approval. If you succeed, their pride is immense. If you fail, you learn to operate without their validation. Both outcomes build crucial entrepreneurial resilience.
Aspiring creators often get stuck on "what problem am I solving?" This is a flawed premise. Providing entertainment, joy, and an escape from reality is an incredibly valuable contribution—just as valid as solving a practical business or life problem for your audience.
To raise children who thrive outside "the system," parents must shift from preventing failure to encouraging resilience. This means getting kids comfortable with losing through competition, de-emphasizing grades, and prioritizing work ethic and real-world experience over trophies.
In toxic work cultures that protect high-performing but problematic employees, the most effective strategy isn't to complain but to leave. Proactively build your personal brand and expertise on LinkedIn to attract recruiters and create your own exit opportunities, reclaiming your power.
A direct link exists between hating your job (even if it's high-paying) and developing destructive coping mechanisms like gambling, substance abuse, or chronic stress. A lower-paying job you love, which forces you to live within your means, often results in a happier, healthier life.