Will I always be in a career limbo?

[AnotherMe]

All my life I have been lost when it came to a job/career. Part of it is environment and the other part is, well I am not sure. All my life I asked who am I, what should I do with my life! I think the real question was what CAN I do with my life. My father never believed in me. He expected me to fail. He really did. Even though he was a successful business man, he said everything he could to break my spirit. But he gave me everything I needed. I had to rely on him. All through my 30s I was lost. I got a college education. I thought I found my niche in my 40s. I lost jobs got jobs and lost jobs again. Now I am in my early 50s with a wife and daughter. I have been unemployed for 2.5 years. It's the same old song. I love raising my daughter. I value so much the time I have with her in these early years. I try to work around the house. But I just don't feel I am using my gifts. I don't feel fulfilled. I guess this is who I am and who I will always be.

[mishmash]

Wow, that is so sad, no disrespect to your dad but sounds like he is a major control freak.
Sounds as though his ego was well in charge, he was a major sucess and probably didn't want anyone to overtake him so to speak - even you, which would probably have been one of his biggest threats.
Years of mentally draining someone like that can be hard to turn it around - although it's not impossible.
Never give up on anything, prove your dad wrong and show him that you CAN and WILL achieve anything you thrive for - it's never too late!

And just remember, being a parent is a VERY rewarding job, but it's not exactly a walk in the park - I bet your a great parent, and I bet you believe in your kids 110% and support them in anything they want.