Very well understand the scenario. My parents were somehow different when it comes to telling me what I should do. The first thing I remember is my mom buying me a water colour set when I was in second standard - everyone else in the family nearly scolded mom for it as I was only supposed use colour pencils or crayons. Financial difficulty was always there, but once joined the college they never asked me anything. In general in school also there were practically no restrictions - but that brought a sense of responsibility so heavy that I was not able to deviate from studies and few things that I used to do. Originally I wanted to be a bank manager :) I think I was super lucky in many ways as I had friends who had actually guided / helped all the way.