I'm sorry but I must ask for help

[Dark Jaguar]

I've kept this to myself for some time, but several months back I lost my job.  I've been doing odd jobs and seeking more long term employment to get me by until now, but those odd jobs are harder to come by, selling my valuables has become more difficult, and the job market is becoming more and more flooded.  Combined with increases in rent, food, and utility cost, I'm in a very tough position.  I hate to do this, as I've never wanted or needed to ask for handouts before, but I have no real choice now.  Frankly, I need money to make rent.  I've already got some SNAP benefits incoming to support me and mine as far as food, but keeping a roof over my head has become the biggest priority.  Simply put, I can't find a cheaper place when I can't provide proof of secure income to the landlord, and so it's come to this.  I've managed to get together some money from friends, while family are, as I've indicated in the past, also struggling and unable to help me.  Indeed, I support some of my family as it is.

So, this is the situation I'm in now.  I wish I could promise prompt repayment, and I do have some tech jobs in the wings with some interviews I think went well, but I've felt that before.  I'm also applying for other jobs, including one working for local SNAP benefit offices, because frankly I'll do whatever it takes so that I can support myself and family I'm helping to support.  What I need now is $600 to make ends meet for this month, and I'm hoping with a little from each who's able to give here I can make that goal.  Yes, embarrassing as it is, I've come to e-begging.  Here's some links depending on how you'd prefer to donate, and thank you all for whatever you can give.

https://gofund.me/7876d6919https://gofund.me/7876d6919https://gofund.me/7876d6919
https://paypal.me/DarkJaguar64

[Sacred Jellybean]

Hey DJ. I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. I didn’t see this until now. I hope you're in a better place but I kicked you some money anyway. You’re a great person and I’ve always appreciated your presence here, helping keep this place alive. Consider this karma.

[Dark Jaguar]

Thank you very much for your help, and I want to let you know that this rough time IS over now.  I'm gainfully employed in a very satisfying position with coworkers who all seem to enjoy me being around and say so regularly.  I'm getting paid better than I ever have as well.  I intend on paying this forward as time goes on, though to start with I'm paying a number of friends BACK first thing.

I've got some real world perspective on poverty I didn't before, if nothing else, and it's reaffirmed what I'd known before, that the systems we've got in place need to be heavily revised.  While my current position is somewhat solid (I've only been at it for a little over a month), I know for a fact far more are looking for work.  I know that because every job I applied for, I was competing against dozens of others.  The tech sector layoffs are only getting worse, and there's a bubble ready to pop very soon.  All I can do is use my position to help others here and there when I can.

[Sacred Jellybean]

I'm happy to hear that :) And I hope you don't get swept up in the oncoming tech bubble. Myself as well.

[Dark Jaguar]

I landed in a good spot in a company with a "zero tolerance" policy for AI, and my advice is well received there too so if I suggest that policy should stay the course, it likely will be.  The company itself shouldn't be impacted all that heavily by the incoming burst, but I'm bracing myself all the same.  I've learned the value of every quarter when in poverty.  (Not every penny.  That little bit of copper is so worthless even the homeless don't bother.)