Hi, I'm Audrey.

In September 2024, I unexpectedly lost my job. I thought I'd find another one within a few months. Instead, what followed was well over a year of job searching, gig work, interviews, and doing everything I could to stay afloat.

Since then, I've submitted more than 1,000 job applications, worked multiple gig jobs, accepted short-term opportunities when they came along, and continued interviewing for full-time positions. While I'm grateful to finally have a part-time research position at the University of Minnesota, I'm still rebuilding from the financial impact of that extended period of unemployment.

I currently work 20 hours per week at UMN. It covers most of my monthly bills, but not all of them. I still supplement my income with Grubhub deliveries when I can.

Unfortunately, my position is funded through grants, and several grants supporting my position have recently ended or been canceled. My supervisor is submitting a budget request by July 15 to keep my position funded. If it isn't approved, my position will end on July 31. I don't yet know how long the approval process will take or what the outcome will be, so I'm continuing my search for stable, full-time employment.

Although I'm in a much better position than I was a year ago, I'm still recovering financially.

Over the course of my unemployment, I relied on savings, credit cards, payment plans, and loans from friends and family just to cover rent, food, utilities, and other essentials. Today, I still owe approximately $10,000 to the friends and family members who helped me get through that time.

Unexpected expenses, like the recent repairs to my car, have made rebuilding even more difficult. My car is essential for earning supplemental income through Grubhub and for everyday transportation.

Any donations help me:

Cover essential living expenses while I continue rebuilding.

Pay back the friends and family who supported me.

Handle unexpected expenses without falling further behind.

Bridge the gap while I work toward stable, long-term employment.

If you're unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past year and a half. Whether you donated, shared my fundraiser, checked in, or simply encouraged me, you've helped me make it through one of the hardest chapters of my life. I truly wouldn't have made it this far without you.

❤️ Audrey