how to be an independent person? Options

[batman]

How do you do it? I've been dependent on my parents for so long, I don't even know where to begin. Like even now, I go to school away from my parents, but they pay for my tuition which includes housing. The job I have is really only supplemental money and is not enough to, say, pay for all the shit I need (or think I need) i.e. monthly phone bill, internet, rent (when I eventually move out of the dorms), car/travel, etc.

The reason I'm asking is because the "future" for me is about a year away. I've never worried about it before because everything was set in stone... college --> med school --> etc. And if I followed that path, my parents would carry me along because it's the path they approve of. But I know that next year when I DONT apply to med school (because it is suddenly clear to me that I have no interest in science at all and tbh don't want to be a doctor) things are gonna start getting tough.

And I'm super scared/freaked out/not sure what to do.

[synapse]

The state says that in order to be independent you must be older than 24, going for a graduate degree, or married. I think option #3 would be your best best for the finances getting affected. As far as your parent's footing the entire bill, if they're not complaining, and they have it give, I think they should until you can do it on your own.