I've always strived towards goals to better my life. And I've always strived to make myself a better person.
Lately it seems like everything is working against me. It's like everything I do only sets me back two steps.
I want to move foward and do better and achieve better things. I've been working really hard my last 12 years in school to get good grades, and do what I can do to take some of the burden off of my parents.

I've made nothing but A's and B's since elementary school, except for one C in that stupid college class (lol). I think my parents appreciate that. . .but at the same time, I think they take it for granted. I can try my hardest and work my butt off to make the grade, but in the end, it seems like it was all for nothing.

I've had a job since I was 14. I worked at Popeyes for over a year, paying for my food, clothes, and other things so I wouldn't have to bother my parents about money.
Lately though, things are coming up out of nowhere for senior year, clubs and trips, college, misc. things. I was trying to save up to have some money during college and to buy a car to drive, but I'm not going anywhere with anything to do with money.
I've been working at my job for almost a year and I'm still making $6 an hour while the others (most of them have been there a lot less than me) make $6.50. I never call out, I've never had a NCNS, I do my sidework right and I try to do my job the best I can, hoping I could prove to the managers I deserve that extra 50 cents. It may not seem like a lot, but it is to me. It's also the principal of the whole thing too. I also feel like I'm always getting criticized about things, and only once have I ever gotten a "good job".
So I don't know whether I should find a new job or just keep hoping I'll get more shifts and make more money. All of these financial burdens on me are really stressing me out, and I feel like I'm going to break down any moment.
I feel like I'm not appreciated there, and I'm tired of trying to prove myself when its not working. I'm on the verge of giving up because I feel like nothing I do is right there, and I must suck at my job or something. . .

Is it wrong to want a little recognition or appreciation? I didn't have to do what I've done to get a scholarship or grant or whatever so my parents wouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg for my college like they did for my brother. It seems like they're willing to go the extra mile for my brother than they are for me. I don't ask for much at all. . .the only thing I've been asking them for for the last 2 years was a car that would be mine that I wouldn't have to share with my brother. I've put so much gas in that car its ridiculous, and its always breaking down on me. I always wanted a 2 door red car, a civic or an eclipse. . .nothing expensive, nothing brand new. I kept telling them I'd help with the payments, blah blah blah. But I've given up with that mess. . .They've told me I don't deserve a car, yada yada. But its hard watching my friends and people younger than me who's parents allowed them to be blessed with a car and I supposedly don't deserve one. Just like its hard watching girls I work with call out, not show up, shirk their responsibilities, and I make less than them.

I know I should stop complaining and just accept things the way they are, but there's only so much I can take. I don't think anything I do matters, because it's just not going to work. I'm going to continue to have faith in God. . .that's about all I have left.