when you are a 19yo trying to build a portfolio and you have a mother bashing everyday that you only spend time "at the computer" and I should get "a real job" and that "your dream will never come true" really is the biggest disappointment of my dev life.
It just builds pressure and sads me. She doesn't support me cuz I'm not "doing any money".
I feel like I should just quit everything or even disappear from this shitrock that is called earth....

did you set your mother beside you and your computer and let her watch what you are doing while your explaning it to her?

Don't worry, the geeks of today are the Bill Gates of tomorrow. Keep developing and working. Try freelance websites, its a way to make a bit of money and get some practice.

@heyheni she didn't care when I showed her the coding grind.. the only thing she cares is the end result.

@NoNameCode that has been the #1 motivation behind me ignoring everything negative

@Halldk actually, the portfolio I mentioned is made of games. I want to be a game dev someday :)

I had similar experiences when in high school. I made video games using different languages and frameworks (there weren't many available at that time, and I learned a lot about reusing generic code). My parents saw no difference between making them and playing them; both were a waste of time in their eyes. I was encouraged to join a local trade union instead. Now I'm in my thirties, make multiples more than my parents, and yet they still don't see me as having a real career. Keep developing, don't worry about what anyone else thinks if they are not your peers.

@Theo20185 Thank you. For real

I understand your unhappiness, but remember - your mom clearly loves you! She knows about the harsh reality of making money to pay for food _today_. Not in five years. And paying for housing, insurance, phone, etc. She knows about sacrifice and giving up on your dreams to provide for the family. Your profile says you started at ten years old. What she sees might be her adult son still wanting to make "building lego" a career with the argument "but I'm really good at building lego now" :)

A fortunate few have parents who get it and may even help out. You - as many others - don't. But don't hate her. Just realize you are adult now so it's up to you to earn your own money. Take a "regular" job if you have to,but keep working towards your goal. The good side of being adult us that you can make your own choices without parents stopping you :)

Know that we are as proof of IT being a valid career choice.

My mum used to be like that but she got over it. I hope yours will too. Even if she doesn't, you just have to persevere and keep on doing what you do. Hard work pays off 😊

Proving people wrong is great motivation.

thank you guys for all your feedback. really needed some encouragement today :)

Computing is a way out :) persevere and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Also, at 20, 21, 22 etc, you won't even remember how you felt at 19.

Stick with it.

My father used to get on me about my internet addiction. I never listened to him. He still thinks i have an addiction, but he realizes that I want playing games or wasting time.

I've had this problem myself. try getting a part time job, or full time if you have to, so you can make some money on the side while you work on your portfolio. Hell, that might even transition to actual client work if you put your work out there!

If you want to become a dev you should do it! Excellent career and money. Mom will support your decision.

Don't let her get to you. Keep on coding but be brutally honest with yourself and your progress.

"Your dream will never come true"? We're not talking about becoming a professional athlete, actor, musician etc.
Of course your dream will come true. (mine did!) Just keep working hard and don't let people make you second guess yourself.

But at the same time, if your living in her house and you don't have a job, I can see why she might be upset.

my parents thought I was a lost cause at 18, I started programming, got a job as an intern for a bit, and now I am making more than both of them at 22. You will be fine! Just keep trying, and dont let her get you down!

Haha 19.... Wish I had started that young. Going on 37 in a month and hoping I'm job ready in six months. Hauling ass to cram as much knowledge into my aging brain.