Hi everyone, my name is Přemek and I never thought I’d ever write something like this. Honestly… it feels a bit embarrassing. I know many people have bigger problems, I know many are fighting battles I can’t even imagine. But despite that, I decided to give this a try – even though it took me a long time to gather the courage.
I’m 31 years old and I work as a social worker. I have two jobs, plus occasional side gigs. It often happens that I go straight from a day shift to a night shift, and then back to a day shift again. It’s not easy, but I have a reason to keep going – I have three beautiful children and a family I love. I started my family quite young; it hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never regretted that decision.
In the beginning, it was really tough – you think you can handle it on your own, that you’ll somehow “work your way out.” I turned to bank loans, then more loans to pay off the previous ones… and it all started piling up. Now, looking back, I know it was a mistake. My recklessness. My desire to handle everything by myself, not to be a burden. But now I’m carrying it like a heavy backpack I can’t take off.
We’re not living badly – we have food, we have a place to live – but a large part of my paychecks goes straight to repayments. From what it looks like, I’ll be paying it off for almost another ten years. And that thought sometimes suffocates me. Not because I want to live a luxurious life, but because while I keep working endlessly, the moments I’ll never get back are slipping away. My daughter asks me why I’m always gone. And I don’t know how to answer her. And I know that one day, I’ll want to look back on those moments – and I’m afraid there won’t be enough of them.
That’s why I decided to ask for help. I know I should take responsibility, and I do – I don’t want anyone to pay it all for me. I don’t want to “buy my way out” of my mistakes. But even if I could pay off just part of it, it would mean a huge relief. A chance to be home more. A chance to maybe save up for a family vacation someday. A chance to breathe.
I owe just under €40,000. I know, it’s a crazy amount. But even if it’s less, every bit brings me closer.
Thank you to everyone who read this far. Thank you to everyone who might contribute. And honestly – even if you decide not to contribute, I’d be so grateful if you could wish me luck in your heart, or think of me for a moment.
I want to be a better dad. I want to be home more. And I truly appreciate everyone who helps me get there.
Thank you. ❤️