A large part of my therapy was addressing my need for approval and validation from my mother, and accepting that I would not get that - at least not in the way I wanted it, that my mother is not wired that way and is too old to change (although she loves me).

I understand how hurtful it is (although the therapy did help me accept it).

Your mom (like mine) may find it hard to give praise, she may also be a 'safe-player' who feels safer in a low paying job she feels is secure and so thinks it would be safer for you too. You know better Seesaw, you are capable and trust yourself, and in this case you are definitely the best judge of what is right for you.