u/Adventurous-Object69

Problem/Goal: I want to move out and become financially independent, but I feel stuck because my only source of income right now is tied to my parents’ biz

Context: I grew up in a very strict and sheltered household. I was homeschooled for most of elementary and high school life, kaya I didn’t really develop the same independence or social exposure a lot of people get growing up. Now that I’m older, 26F, I think it’s made me long even more for freedom and just being able to live without someone constantly watching or judging everything I do

Over the past few years, I’ve moved in and out of my parents’ house multiple times. I was able to move out before kasi I had my own biz when I was younger, and later worked in the BPO industry. But I’ve been back home again for almost a year now bc my parents said they needed help with the family business, which is where my current income comes from. Also my income is a little above minimum

Living with them has been really difficult on my mental health. They’re very hyperreligious, and I’m gay. They don’t like me being outside past 8 PM, and they constantly assume na I’m doing something wrong or secretly seeing someone. It feels soooo exhausting to always be under suspicion for just trying to live normally

The problem is that I don’t think they'd allow me to continue working for them if I moved out. Their mindset is very “our way or nothing,” and based on experience, I know talking things through won’t change anything. Trust haha. I’ve spent probably the last 10yrs trying to communicate how I feel and hoping we could meet halfway, but walang nagbabago. What has changed is my tolerance and emotional capacity to keep living like this

Eventually, I want to build my own business again, but realistically that takes time and financial stability. Right now, I just want enough independence to move out safely and support myself

Previous attempts: I’ve been actively applying for jobs, around 15-20 applications a day, pero the job market has been rough. Most of my applications end up in ghosting or rejection, and it’s starting to wear me down

I guess I’m looking for advice from people who had to leave controlling family environments while still financially dependent on them, or from people who had to start over with almost nothing . How did you transition out without completely crashing financially or emotionally?

Please don't judge my post. I know some people would think na I'm very lucky to be working with my parents, but you never really know until you're here. I really need advice lang po.