So, I really was trying to avoid doing this for the longest time. I've had tough times where friends have offered to help, but I've been too proud to accept it. But I'm at a point now where I really don't have a choice.

I was laid off from a job last April and spent six months on unemployment. My last benefit was paid out in October, and the state doesn't grant extensions because they think the economy "isn't suffering enough." In the meantime, I spent every day sending resumes, making calls, researching other benefits, going to interviews, and being a "top candidate" at two of the jobs, only for them to eventually pass or ghost me entirely. I'm still trying (I had three interviews on the week of 11/10, but have been rejected from two so far-- still waiting on the third). I've also picked up the occasional freelance gig to help a little bit.

I mainly need help with keeping the lights on. I've been fortunate to get some support from my family, but I can't rely too much on them. Things are difficult for them, too.

On 10/27, my electricity was cut off in my apartment. I had to put my bank account into the negatives to get it back. I thankfully got some help in settling that. But the bills will continue to come.

Ideally, this should only be for not much longer, and I'm hoping to get back to work soon. This would also help me get to interviews or even get to work, should a new job come along. I'm also looking into other resources that 211 has let me know of, but who knows if or when something will come from that.

I appreciate your time and hope you can give. I understand a lot of us are going through it right now, and many other people are jobless. Everyone's support (not just this year but for as long as I've been living in Austin) has meant the world to me.

I should also note that if anyone knows any video editing opportunities or data entry jobs looking for people-- that would also be very appreciated. I search every day, on several platforms, but there's always the possibility that I'm missing something. I mostly work in office data entry but I am also a video editor.