I should also add that I am 25 and still living at home. I moved out briefly when I was away at school, lived in an apartment, paid rent, paycheck to paycheck, yadda yadda, the whole nine yards... was "fun" but taxing. So once I graduated and started teaching, I knew I needed a masters and told myself I'd stay with my folks until I could afford to buy a house (e.g. after the masters) and not waste money on rent! So my patience has paid off- I have managed to get the masters and will start house hunting this fall...
I've also developed a nice collection of critters, which I keep at school in my classroom... very educational for the students, but at the same time, nerve wracking for me... if even ONE parent complains and the principal says the animals have to go... then what will become of my babies??? So again, I understand your situation, more than you may thing... and I still say hiding it isn't good... and a steady job is a MUST before you even consider it.