expression, noun
independent living; means of earning one's living
Refers to the path or way of supporting oneself financially without relying on others. Often used in contexts of becoming self-sufficient or finding a livelihood.
彼は自活の道を探して都会に出た。
He went to the city in search of a way to make a living on his own.
自活の道を見つけるまで、親に頼らざるを得なかった。
Until I found a means of supporting myself, I had no choice but to rely on my parents.
生計 is a more general term for 'livelihood' or 'living', while 自活の道 emphasizes the path to becoming self-sufficient.
Compound of 自活 (self-support) + の (possessive particle) + 道 (path, way). The expression is straightforward and its meaning is transparent from its components.