We’ve shared 15 years of love and partnership, but this past year has been the hardest of our lives. I lost my job in June 2023 after a layoff in the tech industry. My partner, who battles severe ADHD and depression, hasn’t been able to work in over a decade because of his condition. And now, we find ourselves in a fight for survival.
In addition to his mental health struggles, my partner is suffering from stage 3 liver damage due to a devastating pharmacy error with his SSRI medication. If he reaches stage 4, he will need a liver transplant. Watching someone you love endure so much pain and uncertainty has been unbearable. He’s incredibly intelligent and dreams of entering politics one day, but his condition and the recent health crisis have taken a toll. Most days, he’s bedridden, and I feel powerless to help.
For years, I was the sole breadwinner, managing to keep us afloat. But since my layoff, our savings have evaporated, and we’re now struggling just to make it week to week. We’ve been fortunate to have his mother take us in, but we were once the ones helping her. Now, other family members are stepping in to cover the bills, but they’re also living on tight incomes. The burden they carry for us weighs heavy on my heart.
We no longer have health insurance, which means my partner cannot access the medication he desperately needs. Every day feels like a battle we’re slowly losing. I’ve applied for countless jobs – even those far outside my field – but the rejections have been constant. I’ve been told I’m too senior, too experienced, too expensive (even though I would accept any salary right now). And after many hopeful interviews, I’ve been ghosted by employers. I feel the weight of ageism, of an unforgiving job market, and of time slipping away.
I know things will change, that one day the market will improve, and I’ll be able to rebuild our lives. But I’m scared. Will we survive until then? Our money is gone. Our finances are in ruins. Creditors are breathing down our necks. We are out of options, and we need help.
If you can spare anything at all, we would be beyond grateful. Your support would help us get through this dark chapter until I can find work again. Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and for any kindness you can extend.