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.
He went to the city in search of a way to make a living on his own.
Until I found a means of supporting myself, I had no choice but to rely on my parents.
Compound of 自活 (self-support) + の (possessive particle) + 道 (path, way). The expression is straightforward and its meaning is transparent from its components.