Parents Push Woman To Give Up a Life-Changing Career Opportunity For Their Spoiled Golden-Child Daughter

In this explosive family drama, the original poster (24F) shares her long-standing struggle with being the “forgotten child” in a household ruled by blatant favoritism. Her older sister (27F), the golden child, has always had her way — from financial support to emotional backing — while OP has had to fight for every inch of her independence. Things reached a breaking point when both sisters pursued careers in architecture. While OP landed a promising job interview at a prestigious architecture firm, her sister tried to sabotage it by impersonating her, causing chaos at the office, and nearly destroying her professional reputation.

When OP revealed the truth to the company, the police were called, and her sister was arrested. Instead of holding the sister accountable, their parents blamed OP, kicked her out, and demanded she apologize. OP, refusing to back down, responded with the iconic phrase: “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” She moved in with her supportive brother, secured the job, and went no contact with her parents — but now she wonders if she went too far.

Many parents play favorites with their children, while likely knowing how wrong it is

A mother and father continued to side with their golden child, who attempted to sabotage her sister’s career and life

Whew, this story is wild — but honestly? Not that rare. A lot of people out there have a toxic sibling who’s been propped up by golden child syndrome for way too long. And when the favorite child plays dirty, lies, throws tantrums, or ruins opportunities, people usually just sweep it under the rug “because family.” But here? You drew a line. You did the thing most people are scared to do: you stopped covering for her and let the consequences hit.

Let’s talk about what happened, why your reaction is valid, and whether or not you were actually the A-hole (spoiler: you weren’t).

The golden child always wins… until she doesn’t

The favoritism is blatant. Your sister (27F) gets everything — the clothes, the car, the attention, the validation, and probably a standing ovation every time she breathes. Meanwhile, you (24F) got ignored, punished for not falling in line, and had your college fund pulled for daring to want the same career. That’s not just annoying — it’s emotional neglect, and it’s not okay.

And what makes this worse? Your sister didn’t even want to be an architect — she just wanted to stop you from being one. That’s not career ambition. That’s straight-up narcissistic behavior, where her identity is based entirely on beating you, controlling you, and making sure she’s always “on top.” This isn’t about architecture. It’s about domination.

She sabotaged your architect job — and you still landed it

You worked hard. Despite everything — losing your college fund, dealing with a jealous sibling, and a family that never backed you — you made it. You got a dream job interview at an architecture firm, all from your own work and reputation. But instead of cheering you on, your sister pretended to be you, showed up to the interview, and completely nuked it. We’re talking property damage, false harassment claims, and a full-on meltdown. And all of it? Under your name.

That’s not a misunderstanding. That’s not an “oops, sorry.” That’s fraud. And it’s career sabotage. She tried to destroy your professional reputation before it even started. If that interview hadn’t checked IDs, your name would’ve been blacklisted in that field before you got your first paycheck.

You reported her, gave them her info, and they called the police. You didn’t get her arrested — she did that herself. She made the choice to impersonate you, break stuff, and scream at your potential employers. That’s the textbook definition of play stupid games, win stupid prizes. And all you did was say it out loud.

What about your parents?

Now, let’s talk about why your parents blew up and kicked you out. It’s not because you hurt your sister. It’s because you messed up their narrative. In their world, she’s the golden girl, the star child. You? You’re the extra. And as long as you play along, stay quiet, let her win — they’ll tolerate you.

But you didn’t play along. You stood up for yourself. You said no. You called the cops when someone tried to steal your identity and destroy your career. And instead of being proud of your strength and self-respect, your parents punished you — again. Because in a household with toxic family dynamics, the scapegoat is always wrong, no matter how right they are.

This is classic family estrangement behavior. When the scapegoat finally speaks up, the family either tries to guilt-trip them or cut them off. It’s not about what’s fair. It’s about control. They weren’t protecting your sister — they were protecting the lie.

So, were you the A-hole?

Let’s be real: no, you’re not the A-hole.

You didn’t call the cops over a minor spat. You didn’t escalate a family drama. You responded to literal identity theft and professional sabotage with facts and consequences. You didn’t scream, you didn’t fight. You just handed over the truth and let law enforcement take care of the rest.

And when they demanded an apology, you didn’t start a war. You just said, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” It might’ve stung, sure — but it’s true. Sometimes, truth hurts worse than yelling.

And the fallout? Your sister got arrested. Your parents kicked you out. But guess what? You got the job. You’re living with your brother. You’re building your career. You’re out from under their control. You won. Not by playing dirty — but by playing smart.

Let’s talk about what’s next

Being cut off from family — even toxic family — still hurts. You miss your parents. You didn’t want this. That’s normal. Most people who go no-contact or get kicked out don’t feel triumphant. They feel sad, angry, and lonely. You’re grieving the family you wished you had. And that’s real.

But here’s what you don’t have to feel: guilt. You didn’t cause this. They did. Your sister’s actions put her in jail. Your parents’ choices pushed you out. You just stopped enabling it.

Going forward, here’s what might help:

• Therapy (if available) — for processing grief and dealing with toxic family fallout
• Boundaries — if they try to come back into your life, set clear lines: respect or no contact
• Community — build your own support system. Your brother sounds amazing. Lean on him.
• Celebrate your wins — you got the job! You’re building something. That’s huge.
• Remember your worth — you’re not less because they didn’t love you right. That’s on them. Not you.

The woman responded to one commenter to further explain her actions

You weren’t cruel. You didn’t take revenge. You just stopped letting your sister’s drama define your life. And when she burned herself with her own choices? You stepped aside and let the flames do their thing.

You’re not the A-hole. You’re the survivor. The one who got out. The one who said, no more.

So go build your career. Keep being proud of yourself. And remember: “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes” isn’t cruel. It’s honest.