Hate to be putting the damper on your escape to Europe idea, but have you seen the unemployment statistics over there? They are hurting big time. Major corporations are laying off scads of people, they've got inflation, and right now they're very hostile about immigrants. I just read an article about how bad it is in Ireland, and England isn't much different.
You're not going to escape the bad economy by leaving the States. You might be able to escape your bills, but at least here you have your mother.

Good luck. I have a son in your shoes except he didn't get pierced or tattooed so perhaps he will have a slightly better chance of getting a crappy job.