After nearly 13 magical years working at Rocket Mortgage, I was unexpectedly laid off in July due to a company-wide reduction following the Redfin merger. I received a severance package, but those funds have now run out. Since then, I have been actively searching for a new job that will allow me to cover my mortgage, car payment, utilities, and other bills, as well as care for my beloved pets. The job market has been incredibly tough, and despite applying daily and selling personal items online, I have not yet found a new position. I have about six weeks left of unemployment benefits, and my monthly expenses remain high.

I am doing everything I can to stay afloat, including seeking forbearance on my mortgage and exploring hardship plans with utility and credit card companies. However, I still have urgent bills coming due: my car payment, cable bill, several credit card payments, pet insurance for my senior dogs and cat, and my electric bill. My mortgage payment is also due soon, and so far, no hardship has been approved. I am committed to reducing expenses wherever possible, but some costs, like pet insurance, are essential for my pets’ well-being.

I know many people are facing their own challenges, and I don’t expect anyone to donate—especially those who have already helped me with pet food or vet bills in the past. Your kindness has meant the world to me. If you’ve ever been in a similar position and want to pay it forward, your support would mean everything to me and my pets. I have always tried to help others when I could, raising funds for animal rescue and donating to those in need. I promise to pay it forward again when I am back on my feet. Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.