Kids grow. Eventually they become adults and if you at least make an effort to be a part of their lives, they will likely hear you out as an adult. If you actually are the bad guy, you'll know it because they won't want to have anything to do with you as an adult.

I know life is complicated and is isn't always as easy as "just do this" but at the very least don't use your kid as an excuse to suffer a miserable life, especially on something so uncertain as how they might feel.

What happens if they grow up thinking you were weak? What will your reasoning be, "because I didn't want you to hate me"? How do you think the child will feel about that? If you accept your actions as your own, you give them a chance to respect you later on.