Hey everybody. I'm Adam, from Baltimore, MD. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I was acting as a caretaker for my mother at the time, which became more difficult as I needed the use of a cane—now a walker—to get around. I might be in need of a knee replacement in the coming months. My mom passed away in April, and it's been a huge loss. However, I have not and will not let that defeat me. For three years, I worked as a writer and stock market analyst for an affiliate marketing company. I was very fortunate to already be working remotely when my disability became a reality, and it was a wonderful job that I enjoyed greatly. Unfortunately, myself and the other writers were let go a couple of months ago upon the website being sold. I've been applying to a wide range of remote jobs since then, and I'm putting my name out there as a freelance writer for hire. The good news is that I finally landed a new writing job with TheGamer.com; after talking with my HR representative, I'll be paid on February 16th for the projects I'm currently working on.

I should note that it was hard for me to do this; I'm very embarrassed. My therapist had recommended it, but I couldn't bring myself to it until just recently. I've never felt comfortable asking for this kind of help, but then again, I've never really needed to until now.

After four attempts, I don't qualify for disability. It's been explained to me that I don't meet the legal standard since I haven't paid enough into the social security system during my working life. Thankfully, I do have energy assistance and state health insurance. I've had difficulty (so far) finding an LSW to advocate for me through social services, but I am stubbornly determined and won't stop trying. Ultimately, I just want to be working again as a self-reliant and productive member of society. I don't think I've actually been unemployed for this long since I first got my work permit as a teenager.

If this leads to something drastic, such as having to go into a shelter, I'd be forced to leave my mother's place and belongings behind, but what worries me more is that I wouldn't have the same kind of connection to the outside world, which is what I need to be able to to work remotely. I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life, and I'm highly motivated to create the best possible future for myself. And, as soon as I do land a new job, this page will obviously come down.

I really appreciate everyone's support so far. This can be an ugly world we live in, but this experience has absolutely restored my faith in humanity. It can be easy to forget how many good-hearted, loving people there are among us. I'm already eager to start paying it forward!