At 20 years old I signed the enlistment papers and went away. Bought my house and went reservist at 24 and now I'm 26 with a wife and kid. My parents had to move in with me since my dad is working on his residency, but they'll be gone again in June.
I worked my ass off, got a degree and a half, put my sweat and blood into a laborer job until the boss hired me on full time. Now I make very good money and can buy all my toys.