My daughter wants more than anything to be a vet. Has talked about it for years. Reading more and more anecdotes and research about what it’s like being a veterinarian, I’m scared to continue encouraging her. We have a particularly medically-needy dog, and have spent $10k on procedures and vet visits over the past few years, and she’s really comfortable and familiar with being at the vet office.

In my position, would you encourage your child to chase their dream? Or would you be comfortable telling them every few weeks until they gave up that you don’t think they should be a vet? I’m asking in earnest because I’m torn with my desire to be encouraging and positive and tell her to chase a dream, with my desire not to set her up for misery or potentially suicide.