As some of you know I was laid off in the middle of 2025. I had been with the company for almost 6 years and greatly enjoyed what I was doing and the impact I was making. Sadly due to some realignments within the company I was one of the few who was let go.

I spent the last 6 months struggling to find work. I would spend 3-4 hours a day researching employers, applying for positions and following up on applications. This resulted in almost 250 jobs applied for and heard back from 5 of them. My goal was to find something to help me to live comfortably and allow me to relocate to Chicago at a later date.

5 months flew by and I was spinning my wheels, I had exhausted the small amount allowed for unemployment and this also meant I burned through my savings. The money kept a roof over my head, food on the table and a car to get to work, should I have found a job. I was exhausted. My mental health was spinning. I wasn't in the best of places. My therapist suggested to go ahead and apply for jobs in Chicago, it was time to try and make that step. After a week of applying for jobs, I was getting responses quickly. Eventually I found a company I can see myself growing with and having the chance to shine with. However they were adamant about being on-site. So I find myself in the position where I have to move.

I am not good at asking for help. Typing this out hurts more than I can put into words. This is a chance for me to accomplish some goals and work for an employer who is also paying me what I am worth. That is all long term and in the short term I am in need.

The $6500 goal should help me with application fees, deposit fees for a new apartment, the change in registration, license change, any additional deposits I need and the costs of moving, be that renting a truck or hiring movers. If at all possible please consider helping me out in this endeavor. My start date is 1/26 and I can't afford to miss this opportunity. Thank you everyone for just taking the time to read this. Just that small effort alone means the world to me.