My name is Brittney, and I'm reaching out during one of the hardest times of my life. I was let go from my job in May 2025, and this job market has been the toughest I've ever experienced. In the nine months since, I've applied to over 1,000 jobs and only received one full-time interview. Most of the opportunities have been part-time, which is why I'm now moving toward freelance work as a social media consultant. I recently started a part-time social media manager role, which is helping me kickstart my freelance and consulting career, but it's only 15 to 20 hours a month and I'm paid monthly, so it doesn't cover my basic needs yet. My unemployment benefits are about to be cut down significantly, and before I even get my first check from my freelance gig. Then, come March 2026, my unemployment will be officially gone. I have no savings left. My family can't help, I don't have a partner, and I don't have credit cards or any backup. To make things even harder, my laptop broke recently, and I'm behind on rent.

My mental health and ADHD have made it difficult to keep certain jobs in the past, so working for myself is not only a dream but a necessity for stability. Freelancing will allow me to work on my own time and better manage my ADHD and mental health. February has started off as a month where I barely have enough to live, and I've already had two panic attacks over my financial situation. I'm usually the person helping or advocating for others, but now it's important for me to ask for help. It's not easy because I pride myself on supporting myself and others, but this month has been especially hard and my mental health is suffering.

Thank you so much to everyone who donates or shares my story. Your kindness and support mean more than words can say. With your help, I can afford to stay in my dream city of Chicago and start this new chapter of freelancing, which is especially important for me as someone with ADHD. Your generosity truly makes a difference.