Help us find stability: a call for support

Hello everyone,

I find myself in a situation that makes me feel a bit pathetic and very vulnerable to share, but I am putting aside my pride and ego to reach out for help. After nearly a year of searching for stable employment, I have faced countless rejections and ghosted applications — over 90% of my efforts have gone unanswered. My guaranteed-hours contract employer laid me off suddenly and unexpectedly. And on top of unemployment, my relationship has completely fallen apart, and my dog Frank and I have to look for a new home in Edinburgh (the rental market is a bit nuts here, and finding a dog-friendly flat is quite difficult) with the ticking clock of a visa expiring in November 2025. At 32 years old, after over a decade of work experience in diverse industries and fields, I am left asking, “How the hell did I get here?” while Frank looks at me unassumingly.

I am autistic and bipolar, which means I feel and think deeply (and thus care deeply), but I struggle to convey that in a way that feels 'marketable' to employers. Despite my challenges, I know I am good at what I do, whether it’s research, teaching, illustration, operations management, or communications. I hold myself to a high standard and have a solid work ethic, proven by my PhD that I completed in four years while juggling three part-time jobs and starting an illustration business.

The Situation

I am desperate for a chance to demonstrate my skills in a supportive work environment that understands neurodivergence and mental health. Unfortunately, I cannot present my best self in job applications or interviews when I'm lacking the foundational security to meet my basic needs on my own. My housing is precarious; my finances are precarious. It’s become a habit of mine to skip meals (and call it 'intermittent fasting' to make myself feel better).

The stress of my current living situation is taking a toll on my health. It is nearly impossible to find a shelter that can accommodate a dog, and I would like to move out of my current environment as soon as possible. I would like to feel home. I am reaching out to the universe and anyone who may see this — please, please help us.

How You Can Help

I am seeking to raise £5000 to secure stable housing and cover essential living expenses while I move out and continue my job search for the next few months, covering rent (~£800/mo), utilities (~£100/mo) food for me and Frank (~£250/mo), and other expenses like my dental care, Frank's vet bills and pet insurance (~£100/mo). Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate: any amount, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Your contributions will go directly to securing a safe place for my dog and me.

2. Share: if you can’t donate, please share this campaign with your network. The more people who know about our situation, the more support we can gather.

3. Job Leads: if you know of any job opportunities or can make introductions, I would be incredibly grateful. I am eager to work and prove my capabilities. This is my LinkedIn profile.

4. Buy My Art: I am an illustrator and I sell prints, homeware, and soon, apparel and accessories featuring our beloved canine companions. You can find and buy my stuff here and follow me on Instagram here.

Conclusion

I appreciate any support you can offer during these trying times, whether it’s financial assistance, job leads, sharing my story, or buying my art. I just need one person, one employer, to take a chance on me so that I can move out of survival mode and start thriving.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and support mean the world to me and Frank.

With gratitude,

Maythe + Frank