I read these stories, and I consider us very lucky.
When DS went to college, he never really came home. He was responsible, and wanted the independence. Sure, he came home for most of the summers, but he worked. He worked at college for gas and "beer money". We paid tuition and room and board. That was the deal.
Upon graduation, off to Chicago. Luckily, he had several close friends that did the same, so there was a support group.
His first few jobs were not in his field, but he was self sufficient. He knew he COULD come home (for a while), but focused on making ends meet, sometimes working 2 jobs.
He is now almost 39, totally independent for over 15 years, with money in the bank and engaged (finally DW would say) to a gal we adore.
I used the word lucky a couple of times above, and we are, but just maybe we had something to do with it?