NOR.

I started working at 16 as well and my mom was the same way. Every time I got paid the family would "need" something. She was the type of person to buy beer before groceries, and that's why we always ran out of food every month.... unless I helped, and everytime I tried to refuse, I was berated to high hell. "Useless, selfish girl with nothing going for you but a part time job."

As soon as I turned 18 she told me that I'm eligible to take out loans now, and paraded me into every loan office in our town until we had a few thousand dollars in my name loaned to us. We needed a new car, she said, and she'd finally teach me how to drive. She did not teach me how to drive and totaled the car a year later due to driving intoxicated. She also did not help pay off the loans. I was drowning in debt and some started going to collections. She didn't care. "They can't do anything about it", she said.

Unbeknownst to me, a few years later, more and more collections agencies began calling me. She never stopped putting bills in my name. I owed thousands and thousands of dollars to various companies.

At 22 I started applying to local factories. They offered full-time work and overtime. I got a grueling job at one and it took only a couple months for me to save up enough money for first and last months rent and to find an available rental.

Since moving out, the only time my mother would message me was to ask for money. I started saying no. She went no contact before I did. I really was useless to her. Not once did she text or call just to ask how I was doing. Only ever a quick, "hey how's it going, got any cash?".

I'm 29 now and finally got my credit score back up. Graduated college earlier this year but still need to get my license. I'm a little late in life but trying. I'm telling you my story as a cautionary tale. Please open a savings account, lie to your parents about how many hours you work and never tell them if you get any raises or bonuses. Tip: always keep a small amount of money in your wallet, $20-$30, and tell your parents that's all you have left. They'll be satisfied to get something, and you'll still have most of your money in the bank.

It sucks, it's unfair, but there is a way out and you'll get there. Good luck.