I guess "independent" is yet another word that can be confusingly used in multiple different ways.
I suppose one way to distinguish between different kinds of independence would be to call them by different names.
Perhaps the kind of independence where you can go wherever you want, do whatever you want, and not have to rely on anyone else to get whatever you want, could be called "objective independence" or "outer independence". Financial independence contributes greatly to this kind of independence.
While the kind of independence where you feel inwardly free of having to please anyone or act in any particular way to win their approval could maybe be called "subjective independence" or "inner independence". I think this kind of independence doesn't depend on your outer circumstances and can be developed even if you're objectively dependent. I guess it probably just comes down to learning to trust yourself and your own judgment more, so you're not as easily thrown off-balance and into paralyzing self-doubt by others trying to tell you how you should live your life.
I think it's good to stay open-minded enough that you don't totally close-mindedly or thoughtlessly reject feedback from others, though. Being too easily influenced can limit you, but so can being too stubborn and unwilling to listen to anyone but yourself.
That said - here are some more of my opinions on possibly good ways to live one's life.
This is all advice I've taken or would like to take myself.
I think it would be good to recognize that as a "spoiled" kid, you probably already have quite a bit of independence already in some ways. For instance, independence from having as much financial worry as people who feel under constant pressure to pay bills, etc.
If you're not in debt, I think it would be a good idea to stay out of debt, or if you're in any debt now, get rid of it quickly and permanently. I regard anything that leeches away one's money (like debt) as leeching away one's financial independence. Though, others could chime in with the less extreme perspective that any form of money, even money obtained as a result of debt, can expand your opportunities to do certain things you otherwise couldn't have done.
And, I can understand that perspective, but, as for me personally, I just find I feel much better without any debt, even if I have to do without expensive things (like college education) that at this time I could only realistically obtain through debt. I also believe I would have a great deal more financial independence now if I had never made the mistake of getting into debt. (Or if I had been _so_ spoiled that my family would pay off my debt for me
)
Of course, it's not my job to make up the mind of any independent person for them, so, you'll just to have to decide for yourself what the right choices for you are.
I definitely think it would be a good idea to take as much advantage of your situation as possible. Here's one idea of how:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  But lots of kids figure out ways of earning income long before they move out, and you could be one of them. |
I think this is a fantastic idea.
I'd recommend recognizing and using all of the resources you have available to you to increase your financial independence by finding ways of earning a sufficient income to live on. Don't throw away the tremendous opportunity you've been given by attempting to leave the nest before you're capable of flying, or by getting into debt. (Those were my mistakes).
Just my opinions.
Best wishes,
Apollia