Two years ago, on my birthday, I didn’t get a celebration. Instead, I received a layoff notice.

When Broadcom acquired VMware, my entire team was let go in an instant. It was a shock, but I am a fighter. I told myself I would bounce back quickly. I have treated the last 24 months like a full-time job, upskilling, earning my PMP, learning AI, and applying to thousands of roles. I have fought with everything I have to stay in the industry I love.

But the tech market has been brutal, and despite my relentless efforts, the offers haven't come in. Today, I am sharing this because I have officially reached the end of my runway. My savings are gone.

I came to California because this is the first place I ever felt truly safe, the place I knew I belonged. I came from nothing, with no family money or safety net to catch me. Everything I have, I built from scratch with my own two hands. The thought of losing my home, the sanctuary I worked so hard for, is terrifying.

But what scares me most is failing my family. I am single, and my family is fur-covered. I care for my three lovely cats, plus two of my neighbor’s cats who needed a safe place to go. They depend on me entirely. The thought of losing our home and not being able to protect them is a weight I can barely carry.

This struggle has been made infinitely harder by navigating it with ADHD, CPTSD, and OCD. The uncertainty of the last two years has taken a toll, but I am still standing and still applying every single day.

I am asking for help to bridge the gap. Funds raised will go directly to keeping a roof over our heads so I can keep my cats safe while I secure my next role.

Thank you for reading, and for helping me hold on to the life I fought so hard to build.