But at the time I was proud of myself. I fed, clothed and housed myself all on a ridiculously tiny salary without dipping into my emergency reserve. I was a full adult!
Speaking for myself only, here ...
I did not leave home and expect to enjoy the same standard of living that my parents enjoyed ... and had afforded me as a child. Leaving home and supporting myself on my own labor included a sharp decrease in standard of living ... but my parents raised me well; I had good training and good habits.
The best thing parents can teach their children is to know, love, and serve God.
The next best thing parents can teach their children is how to make good decisions about the things of this world.