Not giving into every unreasonable demand from your mother sounds like very skillful behaviour to me.

Remember that the karma you reap is not just your actions from last week, it is the years and years before, the way you grew up, the thoughts you’ve taken in as your own, your long-term intentions and short-term aquiescence.

Being your mother’s puppet is a sure way to further suffering: how could you find contentment if you’re at the beck and call of someone who is never content? Guard those boundaries, and work towards a better financial situation with dilligence, patience, and a sense of independence. You are very clear in this post about what you don’t want to be. You know where to go. You will suffer along the way. Of course. That’s the first noble truth.

Don’t panic. Nothing is wrong. Continue on your way as you ‘burn off’ your previous karma of giving in to your mother’s demands, and reconfigure your relationship with her. It will get easier.

All my best wishes.