2024 broke me. 2025 hasn’t been much better.

I spent the year in medical hell, only to return to the collapse of design research and the emergence of AI screening. 

Everything I earn goes to treatment, medication, doctor’s appointments, and the bare minimum to survive. The stress resets every week.

Ongoing health issues made work impossible and recovery unavoidable. Panic attacks are now daily. My mental health is slowly unravelling under the weight of it all.

I’m clawing my way back (applying for jobs every day, automated Rejection are not helping this), but the financial toll has been relentless. The state of design research has only made it harder to imagine a way forward.

When money does come in, every cent goes straight to survival. There’s nothing left for rent, utilities, Internet or groceries.

I’ve sold what I could; even my World Series jerseys and gear are gone. I’ve cut back on everything possible (oatmeal is $2, and MLBGamePass.com is my best friend).

I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat, but it’s becoming impossible.

Recovery has become a full-time job I can’t afford. My savings are gone. And staying stable takes more than I currently have.

If you’re in a position to help, even a little, it would go directly toward housing, medication, groceries, and basic bills. Just enough to keep me going until something gives.

Thank you for reading, and for being here.