"An imperfect storm": coronavirus complications
This is all very much worst case scenario and I see this as a mitigation plan. In case it turns out I don't need (all of) the money that is donated, I will donate it to a charity of my choice related to the coronavirus pandemic. Finding a job now still is by far my preferred solution!
After posting a few times on LinkedIn and other social media that I am looking for a new job, I believe it is now time to open up a little bit more about the dire situation I am in. This why I’ve decided to write what is my first ever Medium post: "The imperfect storm", and to start this campaign.
In summary:
I currently have no job, no income, and I don’t qualify for any support from the country I have worked and lived in for 6 months now (Germany) — nor from the countries that I am a citizen of (The Netherlands & Australia) The real kicker is that I have been feeling sick since a week now and have been in self-isolation for that period. No corona test will be conducted unless my symptoms get worse, but that leaves me in a very uncertain position in terms of my mobility.
I am very reluctantly running this campaign, but some good friends have convinced me that there's definitely no shame in it and given my situation there's an absolute necessity to try and get whatever help I can this way.
Due to the very strong social security in both Germany and The Netherlands, I am positive some of my friends and family in these countries will see this at the very least as unconventional, if not as an attempt to beg. I know however after having lived in Australia for 9 years, that this is an option for when things get as bad as they are now, and you can't rely on this safety net. Which unfortunately is the case for me, even though I have contributed to the system in Germany for the last 6 months.
I can survive on my own funds for another month. After that I am in real trouble. A good friend who is in self isolation elsewhere has offered me her apartment, which is amazing, but if I am still sick chances are I will have to stay in my current place (if that is even possible) and pay full rent.
Monthly minimum costs from end of April for up to 6 months of lockdown:
Rent: €1200 (+/- AU$2200) per month
Healthcare: €200 (+/- AU$370) per month
Food: €200 (+/- AU$370) per month
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Total: €1600 (+/- AU$2940) per month
Plus costs to repatriate and unforeseen.
I am a highly skilled professional (UX Designer), and can work fully remote. So if you have any paid freelance work for me, that would be even more wonderful!
Please read my full story on Medium and see my CV on LinkedIn
