Make a list of places you could get a job fairly near your home. Along with this add how much they pay per hour and amount of hours you could get. Like part-time vs. full-time. You could make a list of jobs that distance could require you getting a DL. Call a local insurance agent and see what basic insurance would cost you.

with this information you can find out what kind of income you will need to cover cost of transportation and all cost involved...do not forget to add gas. Now you can see basically how much you will have left over to spend or save.

With all info clearly wrote out, sit down with your parents and show them the options available to you. It might show that the job at the music store is one of your best options. My first job was at a pizza place...it was fun. Also, ask them if any of their friends know or own a business you could work at. Is there a state employment agency in your area? What about job corp...that could be educational and a blast at the same time. Job Corp. does some very good work in teaching skills and you could maybe get to travel also.

I am proud of you for ignoring some of the dumb comments.

Your ideas on getting educated is great! Now make it happen. Look into fin. aid...some schools will even help you find a job. I know it is hard to give great advice without knowing more about your location, family life, and your desire to be independant. It would not be best to cover all those either. Just take what could help you and dismiss the rest.

You could also take this one more step. Find out the following and see what it will cost you to move out.

Rental cost: (maybe a roommate)
Electric: (you have to lights and hot water)
Interent: (yeah yeah)
Transportation: (personal or public include insurance and gas)
Food: (working at rest. can cover some of this)
furniture: ?
Cable TV: (not needed, forget it for now. some places its free with apt.)

This is not a complete list but enuff to get you started. Did not include any medical/meds or cost of dealing with LEO.