Asking for Help

My name is Natalie Beaton, I’ve been really struggling about asking for help. I am embarrassed that I need to ask for help, but I’m so overwhelmed with how bad my current situation is at this time. I looked online to help build my courage and came across these quotes. “You are not alone in your struggles; there are people willing to help if you reach out” “Don’t let your fear hold you back from seeking the support you need.” So here I am.

I have worked as a Orthodontic Practice Management Consultant for the last 30 years. I have had surgeries every three to four months for pre-cancer of the esophagus and the recoveries are painful and difficult and last two to three weeks. That has really impacted my energy level and interfered with my ability to work steadily. In November the practice I was working for ran into some financial difficulties and I was laid off with two days’ notice and told they would re-evaluate things in January. I had some consulting work come in that helped me out short term, but it was only one job. When January came around the practice wasn’t able to offer me any work.

I have been doing everything to find work with no success so far. I’ve applied to everything I can. I have gotten very limited responses to my efforts. I’ve done a few phone interviews and even a video interview and I am being told I am either overqualified for the position in the employer’s opinion, or too old (although they don’t quite phrase it that way.) I have applied for Social Security that will go into effect May 3rd but my bills have piled up and I need to make it from now until May 3rd and I’m not going to be able to do that without help.. I have reached out to all the Richmond social services programs but unfortunately I have to have an eviction notice for rent or a disconnect notice for electricity before they will consider helping. I have gotten help with food but that doesn’t pay all the other bills. So I have really hit a brick wall.

I am overwhelmed and extremely frightened. It’s hard not to feel like I’m all alone even though I know that’s not true. A friend who is a spiritual advisor in disguise recommended that I set up a Go Fund Me and let people know that I’m in a really difficult situation and really need help. This is that time!

“Sometimes asking for help is the best way to break free from fear and move forward.” So I’m asking for your help. If you are able to contribute to the Go Fund Me Thank you so much. I will absolutely pay it forward when I am in a better position to do that. If anyone knows of a position for orthodontic or dental accounts receivables please let me know. And finally, I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I know God has a plan for my life I just can’t see that right now. But all prayers are welcomed and desperately needed. Thanks, in advance, for any thoughts or prayers that come my way.