AITA: “you just need to work harder”

Let me tell you about the last two years.

I was forced to leave high school because the principal was abusive. Around that same time, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and spent eight months essentially bedridden. A woman stole a significant amount of money from my dad’s company, and we struggled financially. I had surgery to remove the endo. During recovery, I was diagnosed with PCOS and Hashimoto’s. I went through intense hormonal episodes that felt like the flu. Eventually that stabilized.

I started college and had a professor who ignored my accommodations, bullied me, and refused to correct her grading mistake. I had to escalate it up the chain, but I got it fixed.

During all of this, I was in a two-year relationship that ended three weeks ago. I didn’t fully realize how poorly I was being treated until it was over.

Two weeks ago my left leg gave out and I started having migraines. Three doctors thought I might have had a stroke. I went to the ER. No stroke, but something is still wrong. I had an MRI today. Now I wait.

My plan has always been clear: finish core classes locally, move three hours away to my grandmother’s house, attend college there, earn my master’s in architecture, and build a life. The house was left to me for that purpose. There are tenants there now. In 2023, they were moved into that house with the understanding it would not be permanent. In a year, I’m supposed to live there.

When I asked my dad when they would inform the tenants the lease wouldn’t be renewed, the conversation turned into me needing to “prove myself” by getting a job. I have applied constantly. I’ve followed up in person when physically able. Until late 2025, my health made consistent in-person work unrealistic. He insists I’m not trying hard enough.

If I mention school, it becomes about cost. If I mention work, I’m told I’m not doing it correctly. If I prioritize my health, it’s about medical expenses. Meanwhile, they spend freely on other things.

Tonight I said the house has always been the plan and it would be fair to give tenants time. My dad said keeping them makes more financial sense and suggested he could “build me something” or I could live in our camper. He has been “building a house” for eight years. The camper triggers severe allergic reactions for me. They know this. I cannot live there long term.

My grandmother intentionally left me that house so I would have stability in school. I don’t control it until I’m older, but the purpose was clear.

Every time I talk about moving forward, I’m told to try harder. I have tried. Through illness, academic conflict, financial instability, and a breakup, I have kept going. I finished my GED with high scores, excel in school, help with their business, and stay out of trouble. I don’t drink or use drugs. I work hard. I show up.

I feel like I’m going crazy