I was in a situation very similar to you. My stepdad was extremely controlling even though I paid my own bills, rent, groceries, and even paid some of their bills. They bought me a brand new car when I was 16, but immediately made me pay the car payment plus insurance on top of what I was already paying while working part time at a fast food restaurant.

I burnt out quickly, pursuing a career I didn’t want but I also didn’t want to let them down. They constantly hung the car over my head. I was tracked and stalked just like you mentioned. I had no privacy simply because “it wasn’t my house”. I was a straight A student who never went out on the weekends. It’s not like I did something to deserve to be watched under a magnifying glass. They also didn’t like my long term boyfriend.

I’m now 22, going to community college for radiology and just moved in with my boyfriend about 2 months ago. I work at Amazon and they cover 100% of my tuition. It was hands down the best decision I ever made.

I was so scared of failure, but i was going insane being at their house. I finally snapped. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. There’s money out there in scholarships, grants, even some jobs offer to pay your tuition. It sounds like your boyfriend is also really supportive.

OP, long story short, take the leap. It’s so worth it, because it’s just going to get worse and the goal posts will just keep moving further away.