Help Melissa and Tyler Secure Our Home & Car During Tough Times

Hello All,

My name is Tyler, and I’m reaching out in a time of unexpected difficulty. I’ve been unemployed since early April 2024, and despite applying to countless jobs, the hiring landscape has never been as challenging and bleak as it is now. Just this past week, I lost my unemployment benefits, and while I’ve been doing everything I can—gig work, networking, and applications—finding a permanent job has proven to be incredibly difficult.

My girlfriend, Melissa, and I are moving into a new rental together later this month. She’s the most amazing partner: artistic, kind, compassionate, and she’s been incredibly supportive, not only emotionally but in actively helping me with my job search. She’s been a rock for me through this, and I’m so grateful for her, as well as for my close friends who have offered similar support. However, she has also had a tough year on her own, dealing with a dangerous stalker that has led to the breaking of her lease, an unsuccessful criminal trial, and the urgency of this move.

Unfortunately, our financial situation has also reached a breaking point. I simply cannot afford to pay my share of the rent (or even basic necessities like food at this point). I am also having to break my lease early because of this urgency, and have had to come up with this financial burden on top of it. I’ve had to cancel all subscriptions and automatic payments, and there’s no money left for utilities. My savings are completely dried up, and I’ve sold every possession I can—shoes, clothes, music equipment—just to get by.

On top of this, Melissa has been hit with unexpected car repairs totaling close to $2600. These repairs are urgent so that she can safely drive cross-country for the move, adding more stress to an already overwhelmingly stressful situation.

Our close families are only able to provide moral support, but unfortunately they aren’t in a position to help us financially.

I’ve even joined a Job Search Council (JSC), a support group for people in the same situation as me. Unfortunately, since starting that group in June, not one of us has secured a permanent job. This paints a picture of how tough the job market is right now.

We believe that raising $7,500 would give us the financial stability we need to stay ahead of rent, handle the car repairs, and allow me the time to continue searching for a full-time position before the holiday season. I’m taking on as much gig work as I can, but it’s not enough to cover everything we need in an already expensive move.

Any contribution—no matter how small—would make a huge difference to us. If you would rather send help directly to us, my Venmo username is Tyler-McMahon. If you can’t contribute financially, even sharing our story would mean the world to us. I’m always looking for new connections on LinkedIn and I’m open to sharing my resume for potential job opportunities.

Thank you for your time, support, and generosity. We truly appreciate you taking the time to read this.

With gratitude,

Tyler