Depressed, please help how to escape strict, controlling family?

[Kathleen]

Wow, well let me start off by saying I can really relate to your situation. I also have a very controlling step dad and I have tolerated his bs for nearly 14 years of my life. I don't want to discuss my sob-story because this is about you.
I would like to tell you I think it's great that you want to be a teacher. I am dumbfounded at the fact that your family does not support you with your career choice. My family is the same way. I wanted to be a microbiologist and they thought it was the stupidest thing ever. So then I wanted to do computer forensics, but they thought it wasn't worth it. They want me to be a lawyer or a nurse. Personally I will never do that and I have my reasons. Now I am looking into joining the Navy or Marine Corps. They also are not to fond with the idea.
So what I have done to cope with this issues is mainly just keeping in mind what will be better for you in the long run. I have about a 2 years left in this shit hole and sometimes I wonder myself if I can tolerate it. (I am currently 16 and a junior in high school). I, too, have been driven to the point where suicide sounded fantastic, but the farthest I've gone is leaving scars from cutting myself. Again I am straying for topic.
You said you don't really have a social life, I can also relate with you in that case. The only reason I am on the computer allowed to type this right now is because I am also working on homework. I also am quite rebellious; I am not allowed to date and so my freshman year I dated a 17 year-old junior while I was a 14 year-old. We dated for 2 years behind my parents back, eventually they found out and all hell broke loose. I don't have a phone and I never have had one. Social media account? Pssh what's that? Yeah I barely went to my first high school dance this year and that was homecoming. Overall, I can relate to a lot of your pain.
What I suggest you do is do find people you can vent to (like me) it's nice to know you're not the only one suffering. If you are confident that you can find a job with the $400 you have saved up, I would say go for it. But, if you think you can withstand 2-3 more years of hell, then do it. Maybe you need to have a straightforward talk with your stepdad, tell him you are not going to be a dentist like the rest of your family. Tell him how you feel and that you want to be a teacher and you are going to be a teacher. If you would like to further discuss anything let me know in a comment and I can give you my email. I would be more than happy to talk with you and relieve some of your pain.