<prompt> Human: Hey guys, I need advice or a list of what I need to do.I am in a situation where I will be running away from home after Im 18 and finish school which is about 1.5 years away, and will be crashing with a bunch of friends until I save up enough money to live on my own, and then pursue further education.I came to this sub because I wanted to have some sort of guidance as to what to do in this situation, because I have been sheltered all my life and completely lack independence. I dont have a bank account, and I barely have any knowledge on how to support myself alone.I would be humbled if you guys gave me some great advice on how to handle this, I want to live out on my own with as much security as possible.EDIT: if anyone is curious as to why I have to leave, and why I cant stay, its a religious thing. I recently changed my beliefs and I no longer believe that religion is something I can be a part of.I was born into an obscure sect of Islam where children are sacrificed by the choice of the parents to god while they are in the womb, and the child is to live his entire life serving the religious organisation.My parents being extremely fanatic about religion, sacrificed me, and any knowledge of me backing out would ruin them and that would ruin me.The reason I cant wait it out until I am 20 or something is because my dad wants to further my education and will pay for all the student loans. I dont want to put him in a financial crisis, so I will leave before they force me into any form of higher education.Assistant: I have been lurking on Reddit for over a year and created an account to reply to your post because, as a mother, I am concerned about your safety... All of the advice you received has been very good, and extremely practical...its the advice and caution I have NOT seen on this thread that concerns me. When you grow up as sheltered you may not have the street smarts that many young people who leave home at an early age do, so I want you to be especially careful!!! As a young person who is on their own you will be vulnerable to people who will act as if they want to help you, but may see you as an easy target what little you have can be taken away very quickly and easily. Be careful about who you connect with online, this is especially true when you are alone and looking for help, there are bad people out there who will use your situation against you. Do not tell others how much money you have. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and will be saving before leaving your parents home, dont tell people even the people who are helping you how much you have, if they ask, just keep any answers about money broad and vague I have enough for now should suffice. Be prepared to work like you have never worked before without an education or experience in any field, you will be expected to do the most work for the least pay just do it and dont complain, working will keep you busy and help you connect with others who you can come to trust and hopefully make friends. Do not do drugs or start drinking. I am not trying to discourage you, I understand your reasons for leaving, I just want you to have a realistic view of what being on your own means. Being on your own at a young age is no joke, its not easy and especially if you are cutting ties to your family. It can be liberating and sound like a great adventure when youre planning your escape but the real world can also be extremely lonely and scary. You will be sad. You will have doubts about the future. You will be hungry. You will be tired. And thats all ok, thats what life brings when you are on your own, just be prepared so when you start having doubts, remember to work hard and make good choices. Be kind to others. The best way to fill your life with hope is to be good to other people. Try to smile and know that whatever you are going through it will be character building and help make you a better person.Lastly, I would just like to add, before or soon after you leave, reach out to your family, talk to them let them know that you would rather leave and never see them again than follow this religious course they have set out for you...maybe, just maybe they would change their minds knowing they may lose their son forever. As a mother, there is nothing, absolutely nothing my child could say or do that would allow me to be parted from her, I hope the same will be said for your family. I know there are cultural differences at play here and I have to admit, it may not work for you, but try. If they refuse, move on with your life. Be safe. Be good. Be happy.Human: Reading your post actually made me feel feelings ; I understand your concern completely, and I assure you that I am ready to sacrifice the luxury and shelter Ive been so accustomed to in order to have my freedom from ideals I want nothing to do with.In regards to my family, leaving them without explaining anything is extremely disrespectful and it would be the worst thing I could do in this scenario if I care about them at all. Ive started writing a looong note which I hope will explain all my feelings about this situation. I understand your willingness to sacrifice in order to keep your son, but after being raised the way I was, id likely be kicked out anyways if they found out, haha :And your advice for how I will have to deal with the world is spot on from what limited knowledge I have. Ive spent many days and nights contemplating the drive behind this action, whether its just teenage angst and resentment, or a legitimate problem that running away will fix. Ive thought through the possibilities, the likely circumstances I will have to face and the consequences of this action. And honestly, I think it is worth it.It actually touches me that you are reaching out to me as a mother. The fact that you actually care makes me feel...loved...in a way. I assure you, I will remember your advice for as long as I can :Best of luck to you in your life, your brief set of paragraphs has shown me how much you care as a mother, and I respect that more than you know. PM me if youre worried sick or something hahaha :  <response>: I am happy you will be communicating with your family, and from your response I can tell they have raised a very respectful and strong young man, so although the outcome may very well be what you are expecting, I am hoping for a miracle for you all.I do care. You are loved. I will be thinking of you and hoping the very best for you. You seem like a very smart and determined young manthese are the gifts that are true in most successful people, so I will try not to worry about you ; Just be sure to make good choices!!! That is the secret to a happy life.Take good care of yourself. Be safe. 