Hmm, let me see, it was a long time ago...
I'm the oldest of six. I went to Junior College locally, 'cause there was no money for school. My dad was at the peak of his gub'mint career but retirement was looming (He was an Air Traffic Controller and it was 1976), plus there were five stairstep kids after me. I lived at home, worked two jobs + the occasional side gig and went to school full time. (As in, 18 units full time.) I bought my own car + gas + insurance, paid for my own tuition and books. My parents mother wanted me to pay rent, which pissed me off royally. I refused and a lot of fighting ensued. I saved my money and got an apartment with a friend when I was about 19. When I finished school, I got a "Career Job" and moved away. The plan was to work a year, declare myself emancipated, and then complete a four-year degree. Six months later I was diagnosed with cancer. Came home during the course of treatment, because the medical care was more affordable in my hometown and my mom was a nurse there. I paid 100% of my own medical care and got the hell out of there when my treatment was finished.
My mom died recently and a dear friend reminded me that my mom very vocally "let" me live at home rent-free during that four-month period. Weird, I'd forgotten about it, but my friend was still righteously pissed on my behalf, more than thirty years later. (Ah, friendship!) My mom could be kind to others, but not particularly so to me. I am proud to say that I never took or borrowed a penny from them after I graduated from high school. Not for college, not for a wedding, not for a home, nothing.
Bitter, party of one? Not really, life's too short and I love, love, love my adult life and my family of origin, flawed as we are. Mostly posting to show not everyone who attains FIRE is a young (-ish) engineer with a fancy degree. Having cancer was what drove me to FIRE and for that I am grateful for the learning experience it offered. I am so damn thankful I made it.