Hello everyone. Like many people, I lost my job during COVID and am having difficulty recovering. Although it has been three years, I have been forced to wait tables to make ends meet. The economy still needs improvement, and finding a job at 51 can be difficult. Even with two master’s degrees, my income has dropped significantly, making medications, doctor visits, and new glasses impossible. I already live as cheaply as possible. My rent is 675, and my car is paid for, but I still can’t get ahead of all the accumulated bills. I have been making a diligent effort to get my minimum payments due on time to help keep the fees down on my enormous interest credit cards.
I had a great job waiting tables at one point, but it was clear that they wanted a younger staff, and several of us were let go without cause. I immediately found another position, but I am making less than half of what I previously made. I am very cautious of being as frugal as possible. However, the economy and the recession are taking their toll on me, as it is on many others. My utilities are not an issue; I don’t pay for water or gas. Though the electricity bill always skyrockets at this time of year.
I came across this website and hoped to find a little assistance in keeping my neck above water. I’m not looking for a massive handout. I only want enough money to help keep me out of panic mode. At the moment, my monthly bills are around 6000 a month. I’m working very hard to bring that in, but I can not put money aside or have a little extra for the hard work that I put in. I am asking for a maximum of a thousand dollars. I want to avoid taking advantage of a system helping others in worse circumstances than my own. This whole situation has forced me to blow through my savings and has put me in a difficult situation. I don’t know what my future looks like, but I will have to work for the rest of my life, and retirement will probably not be an option.
I am okay with working for the rest of my life as long as I can get the necessary health care and medications. I hope that this message finds the help and assistance I need. And thank you for having a place where people can go and ask for reasonable support. Even if you don’t help me, I am glad others can get assistance from kind and generous people. Thank you for giving us hope.