Brother Faces Family Pressure to Finance His Irresponsible Sister’s Dream, But His Proposed Loan Repayment Plan Is a Game Changer.
In the midst of a familial conflict lies the Original Poster (OP), who grapples with the decision to finance his sister’s education – a 27-year-old supermarket cashier seeking a nursing career despite past irresponsibilities. As the tension within the family escalates, the OP defends his stand while new, unexpected complications arise. Who will bear the cost of a dream deferred, and will familial bonds survive the ultimate test of the financial crisis and differing values?
The Disparity
OP, a diligent and successful 29-year-old actuary, lived a life starkly contrasting with his younger sister’s. His sister, aged 27, had a history of negligence towards academics and responsibility, leading her to drop out of college.
An Unexpected Proposal
OP’s sister, a cashier at a supermarket, decided she wanted to go back to university, eyeing a more fulfilling career in nursing. Although she had never had a solid career, helping others and pursuing a career with more purpose was a motivator for her.
Money Barrier
With this decision, however, came the realization of a harsh financial barrier, as their parents had lost most of their savings due to unwise decisions. They were unable to support her tuition fees or basic expenses during her studies.
The Expectation
The parents, aware of OP’s financial stability, believed he should help his sister by financing her education or offering her rent-free accommodation. They reasoned that she’d contribute with part-time earnings, but the bulk of the financial burden was expected to fall onto OP. Despite the familial connection, the request for such immense support sparked tension.
A Firm Rejection
OP, viewing his sister’s situation as a product of her own irresponsibility, refused the proposal outright. He valued his hard-earned money and was unwilling to invest it into his sister’s uncertain educational future.
The Wedding Plans
Another reason OP felt uncomfortable contributing to her education is because he is planning on getting married. The upcoming marriage and associated expenses were his priority. He didn’t want to not be able to provide for his future wife while taking care of his adult sister.
Marital Bliss
OP didn’t want his future wife to contribute to his sister’s irresponsibilities either. Starting a marriage and supporting another family member isn’t always a recipe for success.
The Judgment
In response to his refusal, OP found himself at odds with his family. He was viewed as a greedy brother who wouldn’t aid his own sibling. Despite his sister’s historical lack of assistance towards him, his denial was met with disapproval.
The Stubborn Sister
Despite OP’s refusal, his sister remained determined to pursue nursing. This posed a new problem: with neither her brother’s support nor her parents’ financial aid, how would she manage?
A Brother’s Advice
OP even posed the suggestion that getting a student loan herself could be a solution. To him, this meant that she would still be taking care of her own responsibilities and moving forward in her dreams at the same time. It seemed like a good compromise.
Sister’s Struggle
OP’s sister, faced with constant rejection, attempted to secure a student loan even though she had a poor academic record and a lack of credit history. OP was worried that without securing this, it would intensify her desperation and resentment towards OP.
The Silent Observer
OP asks his girlfriend for her perspective. Now caught in the brewing family conflict, she finds herself questioning her role. While she had initially tried to mediate, she leaned towards staying silent.
The Unforeseen Compromise
Finally, OP considered a compromise: he’d offer his sister a loan with a plan for repayment post-graduation. This way, he wouldn’t compromise his own financial stability, and his sister would get the support she needed. He is left to wonder if this is a reasonable action or if he should stand firm.
Was Denying to Pay His Sister’s Tuition Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responds
One reader said, “It’s your money, and you can spend it how you please — but man are you coming off so incredibly judgey.”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote: “You’re being kind of a jerk by judging her so harshly for dropping out, being a cashier, and not having your exact same personality.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person states, “Your sister is not your responsibility. You shouldn’t be expected to pay for her education. Your parents are putting an unacceptable amount of pressure on you to pay for her education, regardless of circumstance. Stand your ground, and don’t let them strongarm you into abandoning your position.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another viewpoint on the story: “You’re not required to pay for your sister’s education. Your sister is of an age where your parents shouldn’t be paying for it either. Having her work and pay for her own education might be the push she needs to take it seriously and stop slacking off.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a Reddit thread.
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