Friends,

I need a little help.

For the past two years, I’ve been working to get back into land surveying. When I told my pressure washing customers about my plan, the manager of a local surveying company (“A”) started recruiting me. We stayed in touch, and I followed through on everything we discussed—training, school, and completing a year-long CADD program.

By mid-August, we talked about me starting at the end of September. I sent my updated résumé, and they told me everything looked great. It finally felt like all my hard work was paying off.

Three days later, I sold my pressure washing business after 15 years. The sale provided just enough to get me by until the new surveying job began. Then, in mid-September, I met with the manager of company A in person. After an hour, he regretfully told me two major projects weren’t ramping up as expected, and they couldn’t bring me on yet.

For the first time in 26 years, I found myself unemployed. Those who know me know I’ve always worked hard and that I gave up a good career years ago to raise my daughter. Pressure washing wasn’t glamorous, but it kept us going. As a single dad, there aren’t many safety nets out there, but I’ve always managed.

A couple of hours after that bad news, a friend connected me with another company (“B”) for a great opportunity. I’ve completed both the phone and formal interviews, and they’ve told me to “hang tight,” but it’s now been four weeks with no start date.

In the meantime, I’m still job hunting, though I’m trying not to jump at something temporary and lose out if this surveying job comes through. I do have backup plans—AutoZone (where I worked part-time for seven years) or some possible drafting work from an architect friend. I’m also still in school, earning a GIS certificate.

But right now, my savings are gone, credit cards are maxed, and I need to cover about a month of expenses—around $2,000—before paychecks start again. Those who know me know I live simply. Sam and I make the most out of what we have.

It’s not easy for me to ask, but I could really use a hand to get through this short stretch until I’m back on my feet. To be honest, I’m scared.

Thanks