<div>Hello everyone,
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<div>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 <em>hell </em>did I get here?” while Frank looks at me unassumingly.
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<div>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.
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<div><strong>The Situation</strong>
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<div>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).
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<div>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 <em>home</em>. I am reaching out to the universe and anyone who may see this — please, <em>please</em> help us.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>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:
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<div>1. <strong>Donate</strong>: 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.
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<div>2. <strong>Share</strong>: if you can’t donate, please <a href="https://gofund.me/81b5eb56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">share this campaign with your network</a>. The more people who know about our situation, the more support we can gather.
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<div>3. <strong>Job Leads:</strong> 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. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maythehan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This is my LinkedIn profile</a>.
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<div>4. <strong>Buy My Art</strong>: I am an illustrator and I sell prints, homeware, and soon, apparel and accessories featuring our beloved canine companions. <a href="https://goodboyillustration.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">You can find and buy my stuff here</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodboyillustrationco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">follow me on Instagram here</a>.
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<div><strong>Conclusion</strong>
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<div>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.
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<div>Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and support mean the world to me and Frank.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Maythe + Frank
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/89583125_1741996889206451_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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Help us find stability: a call for support

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