It can be hard to go your own way when your family is known for a certain profession or is affiliated with a certain company or industry.  However, the rewards of following your passion can far outweigh the risks.

Professor Richard Shineman new the risks and also the rewards of this decision.  He went his own way, followed his passion and long outlasted the company his family was known for.  And with hard work and frugal living was able to make his world a better place.