Your not your father and you shouldn't feel like you have to live in his shadow and live his life. You live your life the way you want as long as it makes you happy. I work a low paying job and still very much content with my life. If talking to your father about this won't work then there is nothing you can do for him except ignore his insults and live your own life. Just do your best as that's all that should be expected of you. A parent should be proud of their child regardless if even they make mistakes as we all do. All he should care about is that you are happy and in good health. Yes good grades are nice to have but ultimately it matters to what makes you happy. You can be filthy rich and sad all the time and be broke as hell and happy.