I got let go from my first proper professional job yesterday after only five weeks. It was a tough experience, especially since I wasn't able to get up to speed quickly enough in a very small workplace that had limited capacity to train me. I made some genuine mistakes, and while I feel embarrassed about it, I’m not devastated. I realized that the role wasn’t right for me, and I’m already applying for other positions that align better with my skills and interests. What’s really weighing on me is how to tell my parents. A few years ago, I left a career in frontline emergency services that they were very proud of, and they found out about it through someone else, which caused a significant rift in our relationship. Since then, they’ve seen this new professional path as a sign that I’m finally back on track, and I know they’ll be disappointed to hear that I’ve been let go so soon. They are very achievement-oriented, and I can already imagine the questions and the disappointment in their voices. I’m planning to have the conversation in a few days after I’ve had some time to process everything and get my job applications in order, but even delaying it makes me feel guilty. I just want to approach this conversation in a way that doesn’t make me feel like I’m letting them down again.