How can I get my family to let me have more freedom?

I am sorry that life has not been great to you, but now is the time to start to become independent. Do well in school, get a job, and try to make more mature choices. Also start being upfront with them. Discuss your ideas for a tattoo or piercing with them and LISTEN to and understand their reply / rejection. Maybe you all can reach a compromise? Tattoos have often been called ‘a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling’. Piercings - not so much. BUT much of society will prejudge you for either, and your aunt / grandparents may want to protect you from that.(There are some jobs/companies that you can’t work at if you have visible tats.) You are dealing with (I am assuming) very conservative caretakers and you may not be allowed any tats or piercings until you move out on your own.

I should have read your profile first. You are already in college (congratulations) and working (double congrats because both at once is tough). While you are in college and dependent on your aunt, it would be best to respect her wishes. You can still ‘discuss your ideas’ with her though, but again LISTEN and understand her thoughts.

Take care of yourself, and Good Luck!!

Having freedom to do those things isn’t all it is cracked up to me. We are condemned to be free each in our own way. And we will always be enslaved to our chief desires.