Am I going through a phase or just getting older?

You sound like your on the right track for a successful life, once you rid yourself of all the negative dysfunctional emotions from your dad and really work at liking yourself then you will be able to move on with life. Stay positive by realizing that what your doing now to better yourself is what will make you a happy, independent strong career woman, If you spend the time now to take care of yourself emotionally everything else will fall into place, If you make the right decisions in life than your life will be right, good luck