Getting back on my feet

You've probably been through something similar.

My partner of two years walked out on me unexpectedly. No obvious warning signs. No pre-breakup attempt to talk it out. Just: 'goodbye'.

I was destroyed. As far as I was aware, our life was perfect. We had always been supportive of one another, and we've always been a great team. We had a fantastic relationship, we had good jobs, and we had a great home. Best of all, his daughter who stayed with us once a fortnight was awesome, and we had built a great relationship too. I was happy with our little family and I was certain that marriage was in our future.

But if you've been through this yourself, you are probably aware that things don't always work out that way.

But I'm not here to burden you guys with that sappy emotional stuff. I'm here to fix the practical problems this breakup has left behind.

Less than a week before our breakup I started a new job. I had been out of work for 3 months due to workplace bullying and a subsequent bout of depression so we were already in a financial rut. This was only a temporary job until I could transfer closer to home but it was a godsend. I enjoyed it, but it was quite a distance from home so I was unable to get to work on time on Sundays via the reduced Sunday public transport. When I first signed up for the job, my partner volunteered to be my Sunday driver until I found a job within reasonable travel distance. Like I said earlier, we were supportive of one another.

Of course, when he left, that meant my Sunday transport was messed up too. I was unable to do my Sunday shifts - the one compulsory day I was required to work (I was the only available staff member who could open and close) - so I was forced to resign. I was too new for the company to think about bending the rules for me or training other staff to do my shift.

Now alone and jobless, I am starting to freak out. Unable to turn to family for support, and renting a house on my own that is too expensive to maintain alone, I am now in serious danger of becoming homeless as well as jobless. When I asked about getting a temporary government benefit I was told that I am would not get enough money to cover the rent - let alone food and bills and travel costs. I am screwed.

So now I am coming to you guys for help.

I am now alone, jobless, and soon to be homeless.

My goal is to raise enough money to pay for my essential costs (rent/food/etc...) while hunting for a full-time job until I reach my first paycheck, at which point I will shut down this page. In the meanwhile, I am looking for flatmates to help me pay rent and looking into study so I can get into a better job with faster hiring prospects later in life. I've never had the confidence for it before, but I am seriously considering doing art commissions too!

Note: For those who donate $50+ I am also painting or drawing A5 pieces of artwork as donation rewards. Please note that I will need to send these via post, so I will need your shipping address and a little patience. I want to give you my best work and I'm a little rusty so please be patient!

Of course, all donations are sincerely appreciated and there is no contribution too small.

This experience has taught me a lot about preparing for the future. It is easy to be on top of the world and stumble to rock bottom in a matter of days. Because of this experience, I have made it my goal to become 100% independent. I want to get my drivers license. I want to study to get myself a career that will last a lifetime. I want to earn enough money to be prepared for anything in life. I don't want anything like this to happen again.

For those who are kind enough to donate, I want to thank you. You are helping me with the roughest period of my life, and I sincerely hope your kindness is repaid to you in life tenfold.

Thank you for reading my story.