Pay your way Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Personal Responsibility Used when people need to show they can handle their own costs, not relying on others. When you move out, you'll need to pay your way. Pro Tip 2/3Independence Emphasis Emphasizes your ability to finance yourself, often used in discussions about maturity. I don't want handouts; I prefer to pay my way. Pro Tip 3/3Sharing Burdens Suggests fairness in terms of monetary contribution in a mutual setting. In the shared flat, everyone must pay their way.