Where do I even start on getting out?
I'm a final-year software engineering student (22) and have been thinking about moving out after graduation. But I can’t seem to find the courage, time, energy, or finances to even start planning.
I grew up in a toxic household, where I was constantly told I wouldn’t make it in the real world. The thought of leaving my abusers, who also act as my “protectors,” terrifies me. Every time I come home from class, I’m anxious about the future. Will I even get a job? How will I afford a house? Should I focus on coding to sharpen my skills? Attend job fairs? Or maybe get a passport and leave the country?
Being a first-gen student navigating life without support is exhausting. When I try to make plans, my parents’ reactions are always negative: “What the hell are you doing?” “You’re wasting time.” “If you move, you’ll get scammed.” “You don’t have a future; just stay here.” “Do you know how hard it was for us to get this house? Ungrateful idiot.
When I try to prepare for my career, I get ridiculed. My parents, who are unemployed and project their insecurities onto me, say things like, “You don’t need side projects, your degree is enough.” “Why are you applying for jobs? No one likes you anyway.” “It’s too late for internships you’ve already failed.” “Drop all this job stuff and learn piano like your cousin.” “Stop learning foreign languages and help me with a business idea instead.
It breaks me down every time. My parents actively try to hinder any aspirations or goals I have. What should be my first step in escaping? Alot of redditors here recommend moving out like it's easy but is there really a simple, affordable method that won’t set me up for failure as my APs prophesied?