hi dreamyHope

I think the bottom line is always money. I don't like saying that but it does seem to be true. If you have enough money to pay the rent & other bills then you can have your freedom. If you can somehow earn enough to pay for these necessary obligations then you can have your independence. I understand how important it is to have your own life & follow your own dreams. I hope this is possible for you. I hope other people have some ideas. I'll try to think of anything else that might be helpful. There are always options.

I agree with Javiar. It's always about the money. The expense of being on one's own is exuberant. There's ongoing rent (first and last, plus a security deposit, utilities, cable, cell, car payments, gas, car maintenance insurance, groceries, plus everything needed to furnish an apartment. But, if you can swing it, it's the best experience because that's what you're suppose to do- grow wings and fly. Your parents know you can't stay forever. It would stunt your adult growth, and I'm pretty sure they would agree to let you go if they knew you could handle the responsibility It's a rough world out there, so be prepared and good luck on your journey to freedom.

I felt this way when I lived with my parents, like I could not breathe. Your parents, will have to let go, like any parent. I have had to let my 21 year old go fly on her own, it was just the two of us for so long, I was a single mom, divorced when she was 2.
Once you have some money, from working, you have some options
Maybe by roommating with other friends? ((at least temporarily until you can afford your own place)or renting a room in a house? (in a place you feel safe) Start a savings account when you find work. In the meantime make your space in your parents home your haven, go in there if you need to get away from parents, and by going to school you are out of the house, Do you have time to get a part time job? and go to school? Is there work where you live? I know times are hard. Keep that space you have in their home as your "place". Seek refuge in there until you can get a place of your own.

Keep your time with them to a minimum if possible. Ask around at school about housing options. Keep going and thinking ahead when you will graduate, then you may have the ability to truly have your own place. It is nice to have a place of your own, keep that goal in mind
I am rooting for you!

Being at home now will give you time to sort out about the options of having your own place and how or why or when you want to do that. Roommating and room for rent may give you freedom yet you are not totally alone

Hello, dreamyHope,

I agree with all of the above entries. Boundaries are for keeping ourselves safe. I'm glad you know about them. It is impossible to please everyone. No one has the right to tell you what to think or to use you. It is alright to be yourself, we cannot control anyone else. I remember the times I ran away from home, my spirit lifted. I moved out on my 18th birthday and rented a room. My family was abusive and dangerous. Feeling safe was very important to me and I had a job as a clerk typist. I made some bad choices and paid the price. It is human to make mistakes, that's how I learned. You do indeed have options! Freedom is important to me. College campuses have bulletin boards for roommates. Most important is to know yourself and trust your gut to keep you safe, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. I wish you a wonderful life.

Hi Hope

I do like having my own place. It is nice to invite my parents over and tell them what to do, take off their shoes, etc! You can come and go (more or less) when you like, and you don't have to clear up the mess, although it is nicer if you do. There is more responsibility with bills and stuff though. And if your house is rented from a landlord or housing association or mortgaged through the bank, you may have rules to abide by.

Why aren't you enjoying your studies? Can't you switch to another course?

I don't see how you can say that because you were forced into a course of study you don't enjoy, you won't enjoy any job. Each workplace is very different. And you don't have to get a job linked to your studies. Is there another job you might enjoy more? Look into it - go to the careers centre at your college, or your local library, and read up on what qualifications and experience you need for the job you want. Maybe get some unpaid work experience if you can. Or even a part time paid job while you finish your studies.

Do you get some sort of allowance at college? Would it be possible to do a part time job? If you can get started saving before you graduate you will have a head start and be independent of your parents more quickly.

I agree with the others, look for shared rooms or rented rooms within a house first of all. You might also look around to see how much it costs to rent or buy a house in your area, or whether there is another area you might want to move to. Just to get an idea of what to aim for. That way you can make plans for the future.

You say you feel you don't laugh any more. Do you have many friends? Do you have any hobbies or interests? At some colleges there may be groups based on different interests or you could try a website like yahoo groups or meetup.com to find others who share your interests.

Hi everyone,
thank you so much for your replies. The fact is that I just wanted to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of living on your own. I am going nowhere for now but as here, we are a conservative society, so I do not know much of what it is like to be living on your own.
However, I would very much like to taste this flavour of life provided I get enough money and resources to be able to do so.
I guess it must be another experience altogether .
Thank you, friends :)