I concur with the previous; have a back up plan.
Study something that might be useful to apply to aviation, as well can provide you a stand alone career, before you commit yourself to flying.
Because a pilot is a very highly but narrowly trained professional and applying those skills outside aviation is very difficult.
I sympathise, and I believe that mom has a good point. It is up to you to find your back up plan so you don't feel you're wasting your time but are already becoming a better pilot by doing the preparatory work.
Good luck.