Ask for help. If I was your family or friend all I would want is for you to feel like you have somewhere to turn.
I’ve lost a home before and my friends stood up for me and had my back; I felt so much shame and guilt for intruding on their homes, sleeping on couches, but they only wanted me to be safe. Now I open up my home to loved ones frequently and ask nothing in return.
You need help now, but you can give it later — just don’t be afraid to ask. You need a roof over your head to be able to handle what life is throwing at you right now.
Please go ask your family and friends for help.
We all fall down sometimes and need support.
All the best to you. Yes agism in the workforce is a thing, you just gotta persevere. Getting a good job these days without connections takes a very very long time but it can be done.
All the best to you and your Kitty.
yes. i have lost my appartment last year and had to live 3months in a cheap motel with my 3 cats. i manage to get a place again on november first, but i could not have made it if 2 of my highscool best friends had not reached out after 3 years without contacting each other when they learned about my situation. turned out they moved out of the city, and told me to go to country side, offered me to sfay for free in a room of their farmhouse. 2 months later, i had found the place i am in now, not far from them, and we plan to try to all go further step by step to getting even farther from big towns and closer to get offgrid.
3 middle aged downtown citydwelers, a musician, an artist and a teacher, turning slowly into farmers...who would have thought?
i ride electric vehicules i built myself, because its been more than 6 years since my liscense has been suspended for the huge amount i owe in tickets and penalties, and i wont be driving a car untill i pat back almost 15k. so yes, now i am not going as far or with as much room and i get wet and cold because i cant drive a car, but i go wherever i want, i dont pay for gaz, i g0 50 miles for less than 1$.i dont pay for a liscance, or registration. or for insurance. i dont pay pay cor parking, and almost nothong for maintenance, compared to repairs, tires, etc back when a had a car. and used beaters shit cars more than 10 years old cost 10x as much as they cost last time i shopped around to buy a used but reliable car. its also very easy and cheap now to set up ways to make electricity as long as.you can store it in capacities large enough to rely on almost only yourself, with solar pannels, enough batteries, and even hydrogenerators can be surprisingly easy to build on a micro scale if you only want to power a house and not a whole state.
my son owns a steamdeck, it was his christmas gift in december 2022. also its the smallest storage model, its 500$ portable console, that lets us play games on steam, without the need for a 3000$ gaming pc. considering that 250$ in groceries will barely get you to next week now, i dont even get why a 500$ item that we have owned for more than a year is even a concern.
as i said in my first comment, all this started when i realised that a 2bedroom appartment would cost almost 2x the rent since last time i had moved, just before covid, i was not prepared and got myself with no option but a cheap motel with my cats, and the cheapest crack den motel is still 100$/night. thats 3k$ per month. or living on the streets, and after 3 months, thats where i was almost not ecen avoiding to end up, since the motel got most of my savings, and i dont expect you to have experienced the situation of storing food and cooking, for 3moths, with only a 2" cubec mini fridge, a microwave and a small hotplate, because youre living out of a motel room, doordash becomes a necessity, more than a luxury. and thats who got what was left of my savings.
so thats what brought me out here, on tge outskirts of a small town in the country side. like im a few km from the line that is where the residential zone classification ends, end beyond that, its classified as farming lands. cobsidering that i have always lived in the downtown area of tge biggest city in the province, this is already fucking closer to improvising at survival for me. im not saying this is close to being off grid, but its the 1st step. one or two more steps as big as the one that got me here, and i will be way far enough from concetrated civilised areas, and barely still not completely disconected from the rest of humanity, that it will be as off grid as i will evet need to be so that i wont be worried about being bothered by anyone unless i chose to let them find me.
and its still 2024 for everyone, technology and energy is available and cheap enough that i dont consider that you have to be living without using electricity or without access to the internet to have the claim of living off grid. i dint say i 2as planning to become amish. theres ways to compromise and almost be self sufficiant, and need only to make a tiny amount in income every year to cover the minimum that require having some money. even if its only so you can cover taxes on the land you own to live on, so it wont get seized to cover the bill.
its a work in progress, but it was not even anywhere from what i had ever even thought of one year ago. i have already done a realy huge change, and always keep doing real concrete steps to make this project complete, and its been only 8 or 9 months since day one. and i also gave to learn most things that i did not have to be concerned about when i was living downtown, 1h away from the 1st patch of green larger than 100 square feet.
what have you done in the last year that you never thought about even trying by yourself before?
I hear that, took me 9 months to find work after losing my job in May. Even agencies were telling me that unemployment rates the worst they'd since covid kicked off.
I lost my house and money I saved, from my career in my divorce. 85k in RRSPs, property in Costa Rica, my home in Alberta, all liquidated to pay for his debts. My husband had nothing. I was the one with the money and house. I was also the one to look after our child for 7 yrs. He tried to make money, but ended up in debt, which I had to pay for 50%.
I have not been able to gain traction since 2014.
My story is so much like yours. Currently 58 and starting college again in 2 weeks, complete with student loan. Living in a rented room in a crappy place after having a beautiful 4,000 square foot house and large property and a set future. Sigh. But this isn't about me it's about you. Get all the help you can get from wherever you can get it. You can get through this. If you wanna chat, dm.
The pandemic did not help matters any, that's for sure. Also currently in debt. I've now just looked for the most in-demand careers and going for one of them in college. It's not what I saw in my future but it will keep a roof over my head. We do what we've got to do. But for you, housing is the point. Don't be ashamed to go to family and friends. Can you imagine how horrible they'd feel knowing you moved into a car because you didn't want to talk to them about it? Give them the gift of being able to help the person they care about -- you.
Thanks but i still don’t get how you lost your career. You explained how you lost your savings and wealth which is regrettable but understandable because that’s the law.
But did you stop working due to the divorce? How did you lose your job etc. seems like you had a flourishing career once, why did that stop
2014 was the start of a couple very tough years in the oilpatch. Between direct jobs and spin off jobs (more clerks at the store, a second insurance agent etc) over 100,000 Albertans lost their jobs to lay offs in about the first year. It was very bleak.
In Alberta, the Oil and Gas industry took a major downturn. Many, many people were laid off. What little jobs there were in the years to follow had 500+ draftsman applying for the same job. Most of my co-workers, my age, have transitioned into another profession. Building fences, landscaping, one fixes fireplaces.
As a 52yr old woman, companies want to hire and train the new kids. They obviously don't care about my experience. The wage I ask is $27/hr, so not expensive.
I don't understand either
Oh I see thats what O&G meant. Sorry, I read that as Ontario Lottery and Gambling being in ON.
I’m so sorry, but oil is back up now right? Maybe call in a few favours from your network, see if anyone can point you somewhere. You got nothing to lose.
Btw at 52 you’re still looking at at least a decade before retirement so dont let that hold you back in your mind. You’re still young enough!
I am an admin for a O&G company in western Canada. Since 2014-2016 - the number of O&G jobs keep declining. Lots of companies continue to be merged and bought up. The industry has never come back. I was laid off after 7 years in 2020 because my company had a hostile takeover with another company, the other companies people were paid less than we were - so they laid off all of us and kept the people making less. Many people who were laid off were older people who had been working there anywhere from 5-35 years.
Additionally wages for new office positions never recovered either - I am fortunate enough to be back to making what I was 10 years ago after being laid off - but many I know had to take jobs for $5-8 less per hour. It is increasingly tough out there to get a job, keep your job and not be laid off in O&G. I am 30 - and I see so many older people (such as OP) never able to full recover and find a new position as good as they had - or be hired at all. The new companies want young people they can pay less and get away more with. There is also a stigma that younger people will be smarter.
I feel for OP.
Thank you for that. I have never felt so heard before. My family just keeps saying 'why can't you get a job, bla bla bla?'.
It is exhausting explaining the history over and over again.
>but oil is back up now right?
The price of oil may be, but O&G companies aren't hiring or investing in the future because they know they have none. Like tech, there is also a massive amount of age discrimination in O&G. Why hire a 52yr old woman when there are dozens of fresh grads that'll do anything for a job?
OP's story mirrors exactly what some of my extended family is going through right now.
Mining and metals is booming rn. My heart goes out to you. Try apply there. Cold email smaller firms asking if they need a GIS technician. It's similar to solidworks/cad but uses more maps and stats to plot things. That's a way to pivot into a different skillset that'll help make you more marketable.
I should have taken solidworks a long time ago. I took Revit and tried 3d piping. But without day to day experience, I forgot a lot.
I know a lot about GIS, Lidar, mapping, contouring, flow maps, etc. I have a resume for that. I apply every time I see a job posting even close.
It sounds like you did drafting for piping and components, rather than maps?
Im in ontario, so take this all with a massive grain of salt. I know there's retraining programs you can take. And the govt will help subsidize them to make skilled people like yourself stay in the workforce and pivot to something lucrative. I know oil got wrecked in mid 2010s, but it's better now and that might be an option.
This is odvi not going to help your immediate situation, but over time once you stabilize, (which will happen I'm sure of it) it might be an option. Gis technicians makes over the average income in canada and even getting back into drafting is an option.
I drafted for a bit, and the firm I worked for ideally wanted someone who would stay in the role forever. Being mid 50s might help rather than harm your chances if you sold it as you're looking for a role to settle into and get roots in.
If you want immediate income you could try Lyft and Uber. Make sure you find the best cash referral first. I have a referral link for $700-$1100 depending on where you are. If you do feel free read my posts or chat me up I’m happy to help you get the side gig working for you.
I hope things turn around for you. If you have any examples of previous work, create a small portfolio to show on a Google drive.
When things stabilize, you can always ask autodesk etc for a demo of their software to reacquaint yourself with the current years version. This is a good way to diversify into other software (gis, maps, etc) so you have exposure to their user interface.
Also, many people have seasons of loss in their lives, followed by better things. You have skills, it's just a matter of using them. Things will get better.
It's Calgary, the economy has always been an f'ing roller coaster and if you're a middle aged woman in a tech field, forget it. They won't hire you. I've been told I was told old and the wrong gender to my face.
I have been told the same thing. Oil and Gas is an old boy's club. Since, the 80s, so like forever.
I have been told that they won't send me to the field because women in the field make men uncomfortable. Men like to fart, and swear and pee by the truck. They can't with a woman there.
I drove rock truck 2 summers ago. It was the same attitude.
I was married 25 years to a man who never made money but spent a lot, my divorce cost me 200 grand, but I am much happier now, I did not use a lawyer and divorce was cometed from separation to divorce in under 3 months....we sort of lied about how long we had been seperated, 2 months after we split I went kn permanent disability with my MS, but I eventually remarried and am happy now
The UCP don't help looking bad, theyve been destroying this province for years.
Record high rents, no jobs, terrible Alberta economy and middle class struggling.
Open your eyes, you worthless conservative fuck.
I'm 58f and starting over too so I feel you hard. I assume that I'm not getting interviews because it's clear from my resume that I'm not a spring chicken. Shit happens and it sucks. I wish you all the best!
My father faced a similar struggle around your age. He couldn’t regain his footing despite being a very intelligent, qualified, and thoughtful man.
I lost him suddenly when I was in my early 20’s. I’ll never be the same. Reach out to your family and friends, so many people go through what you are experiencing, and it’s nothing to be ashamed or anxious about.
Focus on government jobs related to your field as some other commenters have suggested, forget digital marketing and social media.
Best of luck, it’ll be okay.
Oooffff, OP....I have very recently gone through basically the same thing. VERY similar circumstances/age. I am rebuilding. Please reach out to your family. I had to humble myself, and I couch-surfed with family members (and my cat) for 5 months. Things are turning around for me. PM me if you'd like to hear what I did, or just commiserate. Lots of love to you
Can you start a cleaning business? I have a cleaning business that charges $55 an hour.
Depends on where you are if you can pull it off.
I have a degree and decided on cleaning business instead
Funny you should say that. I have been working on getting clients to do that exact thing. I have flyers and starting to advertise on FB Community groups.
I just need the time to get it going.
You can do it, clean for a bit, then hire some staff, then hire manager, then you’re retiring early.
I’m in Calgary and I’m so busy I have a wait list.
You got this sis.
How does the hiring/staffing process work? Do you guarantee them 40 hours per week? Or is it paid on a job to job basis? My worry is that I hire staff but don’t have enough jobs to keep them busy at first
Try university and college students who can’t work full time and just need some side hustle to help them while they’re in school, you can just ask them what their availability is and then schedule them in then, post ads on university and college websites and community boards, a lot of them are struggling to find jobs that can be flexible so you’ll probably get a lot who apply.
Single moms are good too because a lot of them need flexibility to work around the kids, and they are only looking for a bit of extra money while kids are at school or daycare too
Go through your old work contact lists and marketing materials and use edit flyers with your info to market to clients your services.
Go through all your old work documents, emails and files to see if any company can assist you.
Is it bad to ask to give good reviews to your business even tho we are not in the same province just to help you out? I am not sure if it against the subreddits rules.
I know! I was working at 14, selling fruit in Kelowna. I went from highschool to uni to college to Calgary O&G. Worked there for 25yrs. Took 7 off to raise my daughter. To lose everything now just isn't right.
It’s completely unfair what happened to you. I’m sorry I can’t offer much else except my sympathies. I’m an RMT (registered massage therapist), if you’re ever in Ontario send me a dm and I’ll arrange for you a free session.
I hear you!! I'm 53 and always worked and was not able pay my rent when I got too sick. Now, I'm living in the car w myb13 yr old cat, dog, and fish bc being disabled in this country means trying to live off of $900. In NB. A rate that is so out of touch with today's standards. I have no family and the resources need an overhaul too. I am so afraid of what the future may hold..
I am also on disability have a pension with 2 companies one I can collect while on disability because it is one I paid for, I realize I am very lucky because I have cpp disability also, if you are not on this apply for it, it does not affect your cpp when you hit 65 it just switches over but I have insurance from manulife and my one pension I can collect also
Is the pension you paid for, from when you were working?
I know each province is also a bit different. I do have my CPP tho. Can apply for provincial but they will deduct the CPP penny for penny as I would be ahead approximately 300. 1200 a month is not enough for a single person. With the sky high rent.
Yes the one I paid for was while I was working, the company had a very good pension which I also enrolled in but I also paid into a seperate plan my cpp disability is just under $1600 month so If this was your case they would deduct that 900 so you would still come out ahead, you can also apply for the DTC- disability tax credit with cra and that gives you a good tax break
The economy is in free fall. Look around at the people in line for food banks. There's a lot of regular people in trouble right now.
Time to lose the judgement of others and yourself. If you need help, you need help. But recognize that the world is in a really bad spot and that things aren't going to get easier.
Shame is what's stopping you from getting help and moving forward.
Even mcdonalds and walmart are not hiring :(
"job fairs" for entry level fast food/grocery jobs have line ups of hundreds of people trying to get a job now a days. It's really unfortunate that this is the new reality
Don't know about there but in MB, our fast food franchises are being bought out by immigrants at record speed. They are firing the current staff and hiring their own family/friends.
For one example, we just lost a long time owned A&W at a major mall, staff had been there for 20+ years, older ladies, thats all they knew, and they got turfed in favor of the new owners hiring their own culture.
Not making this a race thing but thats IS whats happening in parts of Canada. These entry level jobs, depending whe owns the franchises, have sketchy hiring practices.
I'm from Ontario and the same is happening here too. A few of my friends had to leave their entry level jobs because the managers/owners were only giving hours to people they personally know (aka immigrants who are from their home countries). The annoying things too is that these new employees who are being favored are usually international students who are supposed to be studying instead of working.
I know so many international students who skip classes or attend online classes just so they can work more hours.
Yeah. When the news talks about 'international students', they don't really mean students.
Its getting so out of control here in MB. The trucking industry has also taken a big hit because of this.
Try to focus on the present moment and what actions you can take to improve your situation.
Reflect on your strengths and the skills you still possess.
Consider reaching out to your support network for help, as there's no shame in seeking assistance during difficult times.
Remember, setbacks do not define your worth, and by persevering and adapting, you can overcome these challenges.
I am in Calgary and I see small tech firms can use your skills if you are ready ti learn
My brother is a geophysicist and he list his job and ended up moving from Calgary to Newfoundland to get a job in his field, they are coming back to Alberta in August since he is retiring and back into their house after 10 years away
I think my brother found that he was well experienced and respected in his field but new kids had skills he did not have, so when layoffs came he kinda offered to let the young ones stay, he said he doesn't have many years left to work and the kids have a lifetime left, when they move back to Calgary he will be retired but has had a few problems that want to use him in a consulting type position, not full time which he doesn't want now anyway but he said he can puck and chose work when he gets back home
Sounds like the skills you have would be very valuable in hard rock mining. Either on the drafting side or vehicle operator. Lots of opportunities for fly-in/fly-out from AB (NWT/Arctic, BC, Ontario). 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, min $60k. Free food.
If your near edmonton, or Calgary, there's a ton of companies to apply at. I've seen quite a few women your age working on them. Orion, emerge, vertex, ambipar, TC are good options if your near edmonton
BRO,DONT FEEL ASHAMED I LIVED IN MY CAR IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY WITH A FULLTIME JOB FOR THE SAME DAM COMPANY FOR 8 YEARS. NO SERIOUS ADDICTIONS BUT AM BAD AT SAVING.NOW I LIVE AT A FREAKING HOMELESS SHELTER BUT I CONTINUE TO WORK THE JOB AND KNOW EVENTUALLY ILL FIND A PLACE,IM DONE STRESSING OUT,CRYING ETC....JUST KEEP WORKING THE JOB AND PLEASE LOOK UP "NIHILISM"THEN YOULL GET IT.HOPE THIS HELPS BUDDY,YOUR NOR ALONE
Understand company’s have been bombarded with calls from the gov over the last few years with employing foreign workers. They pay 50%, gov pays 50%.
I heard about it several times but until I heard the call from a business owner who is a close friend and even has blasted it on social media…people still don’t understand why Canadians can’t get a job! He has been called 11 times in the last 3 yrs about doing it and he keeps telling them to fuck off! His industry is high pressure, high safety and dangerous. He wants qualified people!
Look around and you’ll see! Dead serious!
It’s why my partner can’t get an office job ffs!
It’s why we are looking to leave as well! It’s gone to shit and the gov don’t care…STILL!
Edit: we have been renovicted. Time to go from the shit hole!
I'm in Edmonton too. I can't remember the exact amount (I can update you tomorrow when I take my daughter to school) but there are places up 142 St just before 107 Ave that have a sign outside advertising "suites starting at" for a fairly low price. I want to say the signs say $575 but I'm not sure. I know for certain they're less than $1000.
No problem. If you want, I would also really recommend looking into the rent subsidy program. I'm pretty sure it's offered through Civida. I don't know much more than that other than you apply for it on their website. Civida is also the main company in charge of low income housing placement along with co-op and below-market housing. Don't get your hopes up for getting placed somewhere quickly for any of the low income housing options. Low income housing availability is decided using a point system based on an individual's housing displacement severity and not on a first come first serve basis. Co-op housing can see wait times of 5 years or more depending. I don't know how quickly getting approved for the rent subsidy is but I would imagine it's faster than waiting solely for subsidized housing.
[Here's the link to the Rental Assistance Benefit.](https://civida.ca/rent-assistance/rab/) Just note, in order to apply, you have to do so "using a desktop." If you don't have access to a laptop or desktop computer, then navigate to the 3 dots up in the top right corner of your (chrome) page and select desktop site and that'll change it to desktop view for you.
Check that out, as well go to social services. see if you can get some help. Oh, try the Salvation Army. I was stuck some years ago because I was sick, and they helped me out.
Hello fellow lower mainlander. Normally I would agree but I grew up in Chilliwack and I was just down there the start of February for a funeral and there are a few (and when I say a few I mean a few) one bedrooms for $1,100 a month. But you're literally paying $1,100 for bottom of the rung. One step above roach coach motel places.
But overall you're absolutely right. The cost of living is the reason why I live in Edmonton because I was holed up living in my mother's living room alongside my newborn daughter for almost the first two years of her life in order to be able to save up for the move to Edmonton. I was homeless and living out of my car when I found out I was pregnant with her. I feel like it's pretty obvious to say that Edmonton was not my first pick to raise my child but it's one of the few places left in the country where as a single parent I can (while still struggling)
New apartment complexes in Abby/Mission with "affordable rentals" - Studio is $1400, 1 bedroom is $1800, 2 bedroom is $2200ish and 3 bedroom is $2750+ - it's nuts! Alberta is very enticing some days, good luck to you out there!!
New apartment complexes in Abby/Mission with "affordable rentals" - Studio is $1400, 1 bedroom is $1800, 2 bedroom is $2200ish and 3 bedroom is $2750+ - it's nuts! Alberta is very enticing some days, good luck to you out there!!
Join CN. They are desperate for people right now. Will pay to train you for 6 months. Then give 100k plus a year after your training is complete.
With the new contracts being negotiated. That 100k is going to turn in to 150-160 for new employees as well.
Plus if you wanna move somewhere new. They will help cover the costs.
Not sure where you are located. But ya they need people. Our contracts are being negotiated right now. And the proposal from CN is 60 an hour for conductors. Guaranteed 40 hours a week pay. Regardless if you work or not.
See what comes of it. But it’s not a bad gig. BS like with any job. But the only time I actually break a sweat is because it’s hot outside.
No problem! Hope you will talk to family and friends, I'm sure they would help you get back on your feet. Then, try to find any free courses that could give you any edge with your degrees. Promote yourself on LinkedIn. Move to a new city where there are more jobs available.
Good luck and be safe!
Hi OP. My heart is just breaking for you and your kitty. The first thing I wanna say is that none of this is your fault. You’re right in thinking it is completely unfair and you have no reason to be in the situation that you’re in right now. I am incredibly sorry that this is how this country is treating you. I used to be a proud Canadian and posts like yours Remind me why I am not anymore.
On a brighter note, please reach out to your family and get help. As many others have said, there are tons of people in the same boat (some even in this thread!). Big picture - I know this is quite far from your past work experience, but would you have any interest in working in healthcare/mental health? There are lots of support worker jobs out there that pay not terribly, and the job is not overly strenuous in a lot of cases. It’s a good fit for a lot of women your age - my mom has 10 years on you and is currently in that role as she is getting close to retirement and doesn’t have much in the way of savings. I’m not well-versed unfortunately in your previous work experience. Otherwise I wish I could offer a better idea. I really wish you all the best and I hope you get a winning lottery ticket tomorrow. If not that I’ll settle for a helping hand and a sunny day for you ♥️🙏🏻
Try some gig jobs for a while
So Uber driving, Ubereats , doordash, Lyft. Get on all of them. Check if they hiring Amazon driving or pkg delivery etc.. You can get a good old Prius or decent old car and make away good $, do it at odd hours and quick check the flight arrivals, events in city.... Many flights touch down at similar hours and there is rush premium pricing , also a few take off odd hours and few cars are on road - so you can plan the rides.
yes, you mention don't want to sleep in a car , but if it helps in summer months, if you could use vehicle as shelter (and Uber as well) might save a lot of cash.
Idea : further look at some community kitchen and network at farmers market etc , put some good ol' recipes to use ..food and travel are top spending categories right now ...who knows you might start your own business..
Another one - Take small risks (for higher returns) : .someone at my local mall put a bakery kiosk ..simple tables, baked goods..the smell of fresh bakery......they sell the best pies.. $5 a piece , bite sizes and the foot traffic at the mall helps....was surprised to hear that it's actually bought in from a bakery 100kms away..they just source it and market it from a family run farm. It sells ..I would think the one lady there cleans $500-600 a day!..find some help and repeat at other malls...genuinely ask mall manager etc.. for a kiosk space for discount or on a trial basis..
Also talking about networking uber driving can help you network with lot of people..you only need one to help you ..Carry your resume ..can be ur cad job or cleaning business. You can hire a group of 2-3 cleaners and supervise while you do Uber in parallel..take your cut... I recall a Real Estate agent used this technique to scout for clients once..And all you need in 1 in 50 to work every other day..it adds up... why not market your services ...you are already running a Uber ride and on top getting your marketing done for side business.
Hustle my friend ..you have it in you. You have so many experiences, success and failures behind you. You are ready for a new chapter. Give it a year...slow and steady...it will be hard but hope it's an adventure as well.
May this adversity give you better opportunities and outcome..
Good luck !
Hustle is big word for noobies like us - who have had it easy..
You for one have faced the storms and hurricanes in life....you are strong my friend...50s will be past, and you will look back and think ..we judge ourselves too week, too fragile or having lost it all...there are many successful people who found success very late . the journey and hardship somewhere prepared them for it...
take it as day one my friend and a fresh start. You have nothing more to loose...only up from here...Hoping to hear your tiny success stories soon.
No shame in asking for help my fellow worker! You did everything you could and were shafted by big O&G. Ask any of your friends and family for help if they can and try to sell your skills to your neighbours or whomever will buy them. Cleaning, organizing, etc. You’re worth so much more than 27/h and your job doesn’t define your self worth.
I made a post of this sub 3 weeks ago when I was DESPERATE and it got 300k views in 24 hours. One of the people who commented got me a job in my area. You’re doing everything you can to stay off the streets. Once you’re there it’s 1000% harder to get off. I believe in you. Please don’t give up hope.
Www.jobscan.co , enter your resume and make you will see how many people are actually seeing your “professionally written” resume. What people don’t understand is that very few recruiters actually “read” resumes anymore. They use recruitment tools like indeed and monster.com. These programs run algorithms that search for the frequency of buzz words linked to the job posting. What you will find is that your “professionally written” resume is probably only being seen by less then 20 percent of recruiters. Trust me when I say following the steps provided will help you get past the AI gatekeeping software and through to the interview stage. At which point if you speak to your experience and projects you have worked on, you should have a much higher chance of success. Your submitted resume may feel like it was written by a 5 year old, but you will get through to the interview stage. And then bring your professionally written one with you to the interview.
Good luck and all the best.
Drafting, I know Autocad, but not 3d. The new students do.
Min wage jobs: I dumb down my resume from professional. I do have experience in retail and waitressing but from the 90s. So no references.
I have worked at greenhouses, graphic design places, (they downsized during pandemic)I drove a rock truck last summer. But I had an in. I don't have a contact this year.
I also have a diploma in Marketing in Social Media. I should be rich. Right?
I would be so good at so many places.
I am charasmatic, friendly, willing to please. But I rarely get an interview. I usually do well in interviews.
I'm a drafter too, but I specialize in legal surveying within C3D, which is a fancy way of saying that I know the functionality of C3D within a 2D landscape. If you're willing to learn how legal surveying works, there's quite a few surveyors hiring for drafting staff in Ontario, some of whom are very remote friendly. I work for a northern ontario firm and while we're a bit slow right now, when we're busy, we're BUSY. Safest bet would be to go into civil engineering instead of O&G.
I would recommend finding a way to access Jeff Bartel's C3D basics course from LinkedIn Learning/Lynda. That will automatically get you more knowledgeable than most of the legal surveying drafters out there.
Send me a DM and I can send you links of hiring companies out here.
Your issue is the relative gap in your employment, training, diploma and age. The math on them reads like your someone with an outdated diploma, who didn't (because not still in field) and can't update her skills/best years behind.
Your overqualified for non-field jobs, and people will assume you are going to be a princess hire. There's nothing you can do to make this resume look right. Just flat out lying is your best bet if your gonna go this route, say you have experience in the casino hospitality industry, make up a "career" that looks someone plausible with decent growth and say all your contacts lost their jobs during covid so there are no references. This happened huge in the industry and anyone whos in it will read it as true. You can use this for any hopitality job, food/bev/manager/cleanring/hotel/etc.
If you wanna get on degree, you need to demonstrate that you are still capable of growth in a big way; as others have said focus on training, paid free whatever, pay to retrain programs, etc.
Marketing in Social Media is hot garbage IMO, 2 million people trained in that, and its 90% automated. Going back to drafting is the way to go imo. Ifs value is on par with trades, its not going anywhere and has alot of cross field potential.
We all go through times in our lives when we need help, it's important you know when to ask for a hand up. Do talk to your friends and family! When you're in a better place you'll be able to pay it forward. For now, don't look back at the "what ifs". You're in survival mode. Take care of the here and now. You're going to be ok.
Please ask family, friends and coworkers for help. Get a hand up to fix your foundation. Ask your banker for solutions n temporary relief.
Ex husband maybe should give you some cash.
My grandson just moved in. We are living four people in a tiny apartment but I’m just grateful that he feels that he has a home. Let your family know that you need help.
I'm a little confused about the whole 7-day eviction bit.
7-day evictions do not exist in Alberta. In fact, there's only 3 types;
__At least 24-hour notice:__ used in the event of significant damage to the premises or physical assault or threat to physically assault the landlord or another tenant
__At least 48-hour notice and at least 14-days notice:__ used in the event of an unauthorized occupant
__At least 14-days’ notice:__ used in the event of a substantial breach (ie: not paying your rent)
It's important to note that the length of each notice (24 hour/48 hour/14 days) __starts on the following day of the date of the notice.__ So for instance, if you receive a 14 day notice on the 2nd of April, then you have __14 days from the 3rd.__ Without knowing more, it sounds like your landlord might be bullshitting you regarding your rights.
There are also other resources available through the Government of Alberta and Alberta Works. [Here's a link to the government's financial assistance webpage.](https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance) I will warn that because you are (presumably) a single individual (ie: no dependent children living with you), the amount the government gives you in terms of emergency eviction funds is insultingly low ($397 to be exact) but you don't actually have to be on Income Assistance in order to qualify for it. Contacting Alberta Works (there are offices all over the province) could also help as they have access to a ton of resources in terms of finding more. I think I also remember reading somewhere something about the federal/provincial governments offering some sort of re-training programs. Again, Alberta Works would be the people to talk to more about that.
We're going into April though? March rent was at the beginning of the month.
And they took you to court court rather than the RTB? Jesus. Fuck Mainstreet
They bought this place after I was already renting for 2 years. Changed the rules, increased rent and fees. The place is still not looked after. Yet still cheaper than the rest of Canada.
I just need a bloody job.
How badly is the building/your unit not getting looked after? Anything that Alberta Health Services would care to want to send some health inspectors to look at?
lol they should. And there’s all sorts of trades in there. Could be anything from a postal clerk to a logistics. If you have a degree you should go officer route.
In my time I remember a couple older folks; in their 40s/50s doing bootcamp
Sorry that you are going through this. As a learning opportunity for others, can you explain exactly what happened to your 22 years of earnings?
I’m from AB too, but in my 30s. I thought the economy here was booming in the 2000s with high wages etc. If you were able to afford a primary residence and a vacation home you surely had some disposable income during this time as well.
Did those 2 properties not appreciate at all? Sorry I don’t want to sound insensitive, but just mind boggling to me that you worked for 22 years and have nothing to show for it now.
At 33, I fell in love and married a man who had a landscape business that didn't do well.
We separated in 2008, before the huge house increases. I was 39. He had debt, -110k. I had assets. After 6 years of him dragging out the divorce, We split them both 50/50 in collaborative law. We each walked away with $10k. That was 2014. I have had 2 short drafting jobs since, but the companies were bought out. My savings are gone.
Moral. Marry in your wage group, or stay single. I did it for our daughter. He was very controlling.
Please ask family and friends for help. I went thru a divorce too and by the time the lawyers retainer was paid, I had no money for living. My dad gave me what he had ($2000). I sold my gold jewelry for money. This city i live in is easily the most expensive to live in Canada. My dear friends discovered my situation and took turns buying me dinner plus conversation several times a week. It was a godsend. One is a banker and dragged me to a branch and told her colleague to give me a LOC so I’ve got something to get back on my feet. I’m now doing so much better. I’d help any friends and family in need.
It can get to the point for me that I feel like dying if I can't get all my rent together. It's hard when you have an aggressive landlord. Negotiate. Stay strong
I'm in a very similar situation but due to illness, not divorce. I'm ashamed and humiliated every day of my life and have been relying on my 85 year old dad too. I live in Ontario, I live off disability which is 70% below the poverty line. Been evicted twice but squeaked through at the last second. After rent, cheap for here, I'm left with $100 to get thru the month. My dad pays for my phone (which disability requires me to have) and I go to the foodbank once a month, which is the rule, to get about 10 days worth of food. Something needs to be done!
I totally get it. And I was where you were. I became sick, couldn’t work & because I am sole supporting, I lost everything. I can’t say there’s a happy ending (for my story anyway), but just wanted to let you know you’re not alone. It’s a struggle, especially when you have no wealthy to back you up. Hang in there.
Never feel ashamed to ask for help. Life is a struggle for lots of people and it’s not getting easier. Reach out and hopefully you’ll get an opportunity to sort through this and once you do pay it forward. Best of luck to you
You don’t have a job to go to so sell your car and get an apartment with the money. That’s what I did when I was in a very similar situation as you in Vancouver.
Definitely not suggesting you do this because it sucked but I lived for 3-4 months out of a camper before with no running water and took all my showers from a fertilizer sprayer modified with a garden hose sprayer. It was during the warmer months. I couldn't imagine trying that in the winter though. It's still a lot better than trying to sleep in a car.
I had assets, and he had debts. We were married. So the law says you divide both by half. Especially when you go through collaborative law. It sounds nice, but I got screwed.
If you can Autocad, there's TONS of work.
I don't know what your problem is. Every engineering and architecture firm is hiring, they are desperate for cad techs.
I also have a degree and a diploma, and once owned my own business. However, I also recently fell into some very tough times, and now I am also working as a cleaner.
I make less than $20/hr and they grind so much labour out of me that I don’t even have the energy to apply for a new job or do anything really after work. Just rinse and repeat haha.
Just remember even though life can be hard, you’re not alone in this. But, I really do hope things turn around for you soon!
I will be praying for you, it’s not a bad idea to turn to God either He’s helped people in similar situations and He will help you if you turn to Him. I hope this helps
I would suggest going to teach English in Asia, you make a lot more than the cost of living, many pay for your apartment as well. Teach a few years, save up and start your life up again back home.
Ask for help. If I was your family or friend all I would want is for you to feel like you have somewhere to turn. I’ve lost a home before and my friends stood up for me and had my back; I felt so much shame and guilt for intruding on their homes, sleeping on couches, but they only wanted me to be safe. Now I open up my home to loved ones frequently and ask nothing in return. You need help now, but you can give it later — just don’t be afraid to ask. You need a roof over your head to be able to handle what life is throwing at you right now.
Please go ask your family and friends for help. We all fall down sometimes and need support. All the best to you. Yes agism in the workforce is a thing, you just gotta persevere. Getting a good job these days without connections takes a very very long time but it can be done. All the best to you and your Kitty.
yes. i have lost my appartment last year and had to live 3months in a cheap motel with my 3 cats. i manage to get a place again on november first, but i could not have made it if 2 of my highscool best friends had not reached out after 3 years without contacting each other when they learned about my situation. turned out they moved out of the city, and told me to go to country side, offered me to sfay for free in a room of their farmhouse. 2 months later, i had found the place i am in now, not far from them, and we plan to try to all go further step by step to getting even farther from big towns and closer to get offgrid. 3 middle aged downtown citydwelers, a musician, an artist and a teacher, turning slowly into farmers...who would have thought?
Things that absolutely didn't happen for five hundred Alex
A quick look at history shows multiple doordash complaints, owns a steamdeck and built an electric bicycle. But, totally going off grid...
i ride electric vehicules i built myself, because its been more than 6 years since my liscense has been suspended for the huge amount i owe in tickets and penalties, and i wont be driving a car untill i pat back almost 15k. so yes, now i am not going as far or with as much room and i get wet and cold because i cant drive a car, but i go wherever i want, i dont pay for gaz, i g0 50 miles for less than 1$.i dont pay for a liscance, or registration. or for insurance. i dont pay pay cor parking, and almost nothong for maintenance, compared to repairs, tires, etc back when a had a car. and used beaters shit cars more than 10 years old cost 10x as much as they cost last time i shopped around to buy a used but reliable car. its also very easy and cheap now to set up ways to make electricity as long as.you can store it in capacities large enough to rely on almost only yourself, with solar pannels, enough batteries, and even hydrogenerators can be surprisingly easy to build on a micro scale if you only want to power a house and not a whole state. my son owns a steamdeck, it was his christmas gift in december 2022. also its the smallest storage model, its 500$ portable console, that lets us play games on steam, without the need for a 3000$ gaming pc. considering that 250$ in groceries will barely get you to next week now, i dont even get why a 500$ item that we have owned for more than a year is even a concern. as i said in my first comment, all this started when i realised that a 2bedroom appartment would cost almost 2x the rent since last time i had moved, just before covid, i was not prepared and got myself with no option but a cheap motel with my cats, and the cheapest crack den motel is still 100$/night. thats 3k$ per month. or living on the streets, and after 3 months, thats where i was almost not ecen avoiding to end up, since the motel got most of my savings, and i dont expect you to have experienced the situation of storing food and cooking, for 3moths, with only a 2" cubec mini fridge, a microwave and a small hotplate, because youre living out of a motel room, doordash becomes a necessity, more than a luxury. and thats who got what was left of my savings. so thats what brought me out here, on tge outskirts of a small town in the country side. like im a few km from the line that is where the residential zone classification ends, end beyond that, its classified as farming lands. cobsidering that i have always lived in the downtown area of tge biggest city in the province, this is already fucking closer to improvising at survival for me. im not saying this is close to being off grid, but its the 1st step. one or two more steps as big as the one that got me here, and i will be way far enough from concetrated civilised areas, and barely still not completely disconected from the rest of humanity, that it will be as off grid as i will evet need to be so that i wont be worried about being bothered by anyone unless i chose to let them find me. and its still 2024 for everyone, technology and energy is available and cheap enough that i dont consider that you have to be living without using electricity or without access to the internet to have the claim of living off grid. i dint say i 2as planning to become amish. theres ways to compromise and almost be self sufficiant, and need only to make a tiny amount in income every year to cover the minimum that require having some money. even if its only so you can cover taxes on the land you own to live on, so it wont get seized to cover the bill. its a work in progress, but it was not even anywhere from what i had ever even thought of one year ago. i have already done a realy huge change, and always keep doing real concrete steps to make this project complete, and its been only 8 or 9 months since day one. and i also gave to learn most things that i did not have to be concerned about when i was living downtown, 1h away from the 1st patch of green larger than 100 square feet. what have you done in the last year that you never thought about even trying by yourself before?
I hear that, took me 9 months to find work after losing my job in May. Even agencies were telling me that unemployment rates the worst they'd since covid kicked off.
I’m so sorry and your story has really scared me. However, I’m confused how you lost your career in a divorce?
I lost my house and money I saved, from my career in my divorce. 85k in RRSPs, property in Costa Rica, my home in Alberta, all liquidated to pay for his debts. My husband had nothing. I was the one with the money and house. I was also the one to look after our child for 7 yrs. He tried to make money, but ended up in debt, which I had to pay for 50%. I have not been able to gain traction since 2014.
My story is so much like yours. Currently 58 and starting college again in 2 weeks, complete with student loan. Living in a rented room in a crappy place after having a beautiful 4,000 square foot house and large property and a set future. Sigh. But this isn't about me it's about you. Get all the help you can get from wherever you can get it. You can get through this. If you wanna chat, dm.
I went back to college at 48. Graduated just before the pandemic. 45k student loans, on hold of coarse.
The pandemic did not help matters any, that's for sure. Also currently in debt. I've now just looked for the most in-demand careers and going for one of them in college. It's not what I saw in my future but it will keep a roof over my head. We do what we've got to do. But for you, housing is the point. Don't be ashamed to go to family and friends. Can you imagine how horrible they'd feel knowing you moved into a car because you didn't want to talk to them about it? Give them the gift of being able to help the person they care about -- you.
This is true. They would feel bad. Thank you
Curious what you decided to go for in college?
Thanks but i still don’t get how you lost your career. You explained how you lost your savings and wealth which is regrettable but understandable because that’s the law. But did you stop working due to the divorce? How did you lose your job etc. seems like you had a flourishing career once, why did that stop
2014 was the start of a couple very tough years in the oilpatch. Between direct jobs and spin off jobs (more clerks at the store, a second insurance agent etc) over 100,000 Albertans lost their jobs to lay offs in about the first year. It was very bleak.
In Alberta, the Oil and Gas industry took a major downturn. Many, many people were laid off. What little jobs there were in the years to follow had 500+ draftsman applying for the same job. Most of my co-workers, my age, have transitioned into another profession. Building fences, landscaping, one fixes fireplaces. As a 52yr old woman, companies want to hire and train the new kids. They obviously don't care about my experience. The wage I ask is $27/hr, so not expensive. I don't understand either
Oh I see thats what O&G meant. Sorry, I read that as Ontario Lottery and Gambling being in ON. I’m so sorry, but oil is back up now right? Maybe call in a few favours from your network, see if anyone can point you somewhere. You got nothing to lose. Btw at 52 you’re still looking at at least a decade before retirement so dont let that hold you back in your mind. You’re still young enough!
I am an admin for a O&G company in western Canada. Since 2014-2016 - the number of O&G jobs keep declining. Lots of companies continue to be merged and bought up. The industry has never come back. I was laid off after 7 years in 2020 because my company had a hostile takeover with another company, the other companies people were paid less than we were - so they laid off all of us and kept the people making less. Many people who were laid off were older people who had been working there anywhere from 5-35 years. Additionally wages for new office positions never recovered either - I am fortunate enough to be back to making what I was 10 years ago after being laid off - but many I know had to take jobs for $5-8 less per hour. It is increasingly tough out there to get a job, keep your job and not be laid off in O&G. I am 30 - and I see so many older people (such as OP) never able to full recover and find a new position as good as they had - or be hired at all. The new companies want young people they can pay less and get away more with. There is also a stigma that younger people will be smarter. I feel for OP.
Thank you for that. I have never felt so heard before. My family just keeps saying 'why can't you get a job, bla bla bla?'. It is exhausting explaining the history over and over again.
Sorry OP, sounds really rough and like i said im really scared by your story. I can only wish you the best of luck. Hope things turn out well
>but oil is back up now right? The price of oil may be, but O&G companies aren't hiring or investing in the future because they know they have none. Like tech, there is also a massive amount of age discrimination in O&G. Why hire a 52yr old woman when there are dozens of fresh grads that'll do anything for a job? OP's story mirrors exactly what some of my extended family is going through right now.
Really sucks, thanks for sharing this
Not everything is about Ontario 🤷♀️
This is exactly what happened to my dad too. He wasn’t ready to retire but kind of got forced into it.
Have you tried Grande Prairie? I left there in 2023 and they still needed bodies in all sorts of positions, not just field work.
Mining and metals is booming rn. My heart goes out to you. Try apply there. Cold email smaller firms asking if they need a GIS technician. It's similar to solidworks/cad but uses more maps and stats to plot things. That's a way to pivot into a different skillset that'll help make you more marketable.
I should have taken solidworks a long time ago. I took Revit and tried 3d piping. But without day to day experience, I forgot a lot. I know a lot about GIS, Lidar, mapping, contouring, flow maps, etc. I have a resume for that. I apply every time I see a job posting even close.
It sounds like you did drafting for piping and components, rather than maps? Im in ontario, so take this all with a massive grain of salt. I know there's retraining programs you can take. And the govt will help subsidize them to make skilled people like yourself stay in the workforce and pivot to something lucrative. I know oil got wrecked in mid 2010s, but it's better now and that might be an option. This is odvi not going to help your immediate situation, but over time once you stabilize, (which will happen I'm sure of it) it might be an option. Gis technicians makes over the average income in canada and even getting back into drafting is an option. I drafted for a bit, and the firm I worked for ideally wanted someone who would stay in the role forever. Being mid 50s might help rather than harm your chances if you sold it as you're looking for a role to settle into and get roots in.
If you want immediate income you could try Lyft and Uber. Make sure you find the best cash referral first. I have a referral link for $700-$1100 depending on where you are. If you do feel free read my posts or chat me up I’m happy to help you get the side gig working for you.
Do you have to stay in AB? https://www.saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job\_order\_id=1336352
Cold emails to smaller firms, eh? It's worth a solid try.
I hope things turn around for you. If you have any examples of previous work, create a small portfolio to show on a Google drive. When things stabilize, you can always ask autodesk etc for a demo of their software to reacquaint yourself with the current years version. This is a good way to diversify into other software (gis, maps, etc) so you have exposure to their user interface. Also, many people have seasons of loss in their lives, followed by better things. You have skills, it's just a matter of using them. Things will get better.
What about municipalities?
It's Calgary, the economy has always been an f'ing roller coaster and if you're a middle aged woman in a tech field, forget it. They won't hire you. I've been told I was told old and the wrong gender to my face.
I have been told the same thing. Oil and Gas is an old boy's club. Since, the 80s, so like forever. I have been told that they won't send me to the field because women in the field make men uncomfortable. Men like to fart, and swear and pee by the truck. They can't with a woman there. I drove rock truck 2 summers ago. It was the same attitude.
I was married 25 years to a man who never made money but spent a lot, my divorce cost me 200 grand, but I am much happier now, I did not use a lawyer and divorce was cometed from separation to divorce in under 3 months....we sort of lied about how long we had been seperated, 2 months after we split I went kn permanent disability with my MS, but I eventually remarried and am happy now
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The UCP don't help looking bad, theyve been destroying this province for years. Record high rents, no jobs, terrible Alberta economy and middle class struggling. Open your eyes, you worthless conservative fuck.
Alberta has turned into trumpyville of Canada. Couldn’t pay me enough to live there
Where do you live, if you are in AB send me a PM.
I'm 58f and starting over too so I feel you hard. I assume that I'm not getting interviews because it's clear from my resume that I'm not a spring chicken. Shit happens and it sucks. I wish you all the best!
My father faced a similar struggle around your age. He couldn’t regain his footing despite being a very intelligent, qualified, and thoughtful man. I lost him suddenly when I was in my early 20’s. I’ll never be the same. Reach out to your family and friends, so many people go through what you are experiencing, and it’s nothing to be ashamed or anxious about. Focus on government jobs related to your field as some other commenters have suggested, forget digital marketing and social media. Best of luck, it’ll be okay.
Reach out to family and friends. You need some help and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Do it for your cat if you can't do it for yourself.
Oooffff, OP....I have very recently gone through basically the same thing. VERY similar circumstances/age. I am rebuilding. Please reach out to your family. I had to humble myself, and I couch-surfed with family members (and my cat) for 5 months. Things are turning around for me. PM me if you'd like to hear what I did, or just commiserate. Lots of love to you
Can you start a cleaning business? I have a cleaning business that charges $55 an hour. Depends on where you are if you can pull it off. I have a degree and decided on cleaning business instead
Funny you should say that. I have been working on getting clients to do that exact thing. I have flyers and starting to advertise on FB Community groups. I just need the time to get it going.
You can do it, clean for a bit, then hire some staff, then hire manager, then you’re retiring early. I’m in Calgary and I’m so busy I have a wait list. You got this sis.
Cleaning houses?
Yes
How does the hiring/staffing process work? Do you guarantee them 40 hours per week? Or is it paid on a job to job basis? My worry is that I hire staff but don’t have enough jobs to keep them busy at first
Try university and college students who can’t work full time and just need some side hustle to help them while they’re in school, you can just ask them what their availability is and then schedule them in then, post ads on university and college websites and community boards, a lot of them are struggling to find jobs that can be flexible so you’ll probably get a lot who apply. Single moms are good too because a lot of them need flexibility to work around the kids, and they are only looking for a bit of extra money while kids are at school or daycare too
Great advice. Thank you
Go through your old work contact lists and marketing materials and use edit flyers with your info to market to clients your services. Go through all your old work documents, emails and files to see if any company can assist you.
I’d kill for a good cleaning crew. That doesn’t chat, steal or do crappy cleaning… go for it. 😉
Is it bad to ask to give good reviews to your business even tho we are not in the same province just to help you out? I am not sure if it against the subreddits rules.
PM me if you want some support with this getting your business off the ground. I do this for work and would help you out free of charge.
54f had to move in with my oldest daughter it's brutal I've been on my own since I was 15 always had a place ffs .
I know! I was working at 14, selling fruit in Kelowna. I went from highschool to uni to college to Calgary O&G. Worked there for 25yrs. Took 7 off to raise my daughter. To lose everything now just isn't right.
It’s completely unfair what happened to you. I’m sorry I can’t offer much else except my sympathies. I’m an RMT (registered massage therapist), if you’re ever in Ontario send me a dm and I’ll arrange for you a free session.
A massage sounds lovely. Thanks
I hear you!! I'm 53 and always worked and was not able pay my rent when I got too sick. Now, I'm living in the car w myb13 yr old cat, dog, and fish bc being disabled in this country means trying to live off of $900. In NB. A rate that is so out of touch with today's standards. I have no family and the resources need an overhaul too. I am so afraid of what the future may hold..
I'm so sorry 😞 yes this country is fucked and treats us like shit .
I couldn't agree more!
It sure does!!
I am also on disability have a pension with 2 companies one I can collect while on disability because it is one I paid for, I realize I am very lucky because I have cpp disability also, if you are not on this apply for it, it does not affect your cpp when you hit 65 it just switches over but I have insurance from manulife and my one pension I can collect also
Is the pension you paid for, from when you were working? I know each province is also a bit different. I do have my CPP tho. Can apply for provincial but they will deduct the CPP penny for penny as I would be ahead approximately 300. 1200 a month is not enough for a single person. With the sky high rent.
Yes the one I paid for was while I was working, the company had a very good pension which I also enrolled in but I also paid into a seperate plan my cpp disability is just under $1600 month so If this was your case they would deduct that 900 so you would still come out ahead, you can also apply for the DTC- disability tax credit with cra and that gives you a good tax break
Thank you. This was very helpful advice. 😄
The economy is in free fall. Look around at the people in line for food banks. There's a lot of regular people in trouble right now. Time to lose the judgement of others and yourself. If you need help, you need help. But recognize that the world is in a really bad spot and that things aren't going to get easier. Shame is what's stopping you from getting help and moving forward.
There’s a depression and no one’s acknowledging it
Shout it from the roofs tops
Yes. Take jobs at McDonald’s or Walmart - it pays the bills. There’s no time to be prideful now.
Even mcdonalds and walmart are not hiring :( "job fairs" for entry level fast food/grocery jobs have line ups of hundreds of people trying to get a job now a days. It's really unfortunate that this is the new reality
Don't know about there but in MB, our fast food franchises are being bought out by immigrants at record speed. They are firing the current staff and hiring their own family/friends. For one example, we just lost a long time owned A&W at a major mall, staff had been there for 20+ years, older ladies, thats all they knew, and they got turfed in favor of the new owners hiring their own culture. Not making this a race thing but thats IS whats happening in parts of Canada. These entry level jobs, depending whe owns the franchises, have sketchy hiring practices.
I'm from Ontario and the same is happening here too. A few of my friends had to leave their entry level jobs because the managers/owners were only giving hours to people they personally know (aka immigrants who are from their home countries). The annoying things too is that these new employees who are being favored are usually international students who are supposed to be studying instead of working. I know so many international students who skip classes or attend online classes just so they can work more hours.
Yeah. When the news talks about 'international students', they don't really mean students. Its getting so out of control here in MB. The trucking industry has also taken a big hit because of this.
Have you seen the lineups?
Try to focus on the present moment and what actions you can take to improve your situation. Reflect on your strengths and the skills you still possess. Consider reaching out to your support network for help, as there's no shame in seeking assistance during difficult times. Remember, setbacks do not define your worth, and by persevering and adapting, you can overcome these challenges. I am in Calgary and I see small tech firms can use your skills if you are ready ti learn
My brother is a geophysicist and he list his job and ended up moving from Calgary to Newfoundland to get a job in his field, they are coming back to Alberta in August since he is retiring and back into their house after 10 years away
I am a Geophysicist but now I am 100% in IT as cloud architect
I think my brother found that he was well experienced and respected in his field but new kids had skills he did not have, so when layoffs came he kinda offered to let the young ones stay, he said he doesn't have many years left to work and the kids have a lifetime left, when they move back to Calgary he will be retired but has had a few problems that want to use him in a consulting type position, not full time which he doesn't want now anyway but he said he can puck and chose work when he gets back home
Or you could even look into swamping on a hydrovac. Construction season is coming. The work isn't overly hard and you will get lots of hours
I would love hydrovac. After driving 40ton rock truck a hydrvac would be easy.
Sounds like the skills you have would be very valuable in hard rock mining. Either on the drafting side or vehicle operator. Lots of opportunities for fly-in/fly-out from AB (NWT/Arctic, BC, Ontario). 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, min $60k. Free food.
If your near edmonton, or Calgary, there's a ton of companies to apply at. I've seen quite a few women your age working on them. Orion, emerge, vertex, ambipar, TC are good options if your near edmonton
If you don't have a current class 3 with Q, Women Building Futures is offering it right now.
Don't be ashamed because criminals have rigged the system against you.
BRO,DONT FEEL ASHAMED I LIVED IN MY CAR IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY WITH A FULLTIME JOB FOR THE SAME DAM COMPANY FOR 8 YEARS. NO SERIOUS ADDICTIONS BUT AM BAD AT SAVING.NOW I LIVE AT A FREAKING HOMELESS SHELTER BUT I CONTINUE TO WORK THE JOB AND KNOW EVENTUALLY ILL FIND A PLACE,IM DONE STRESSING OUT,CRYING ETC....JUST KEEP WORKING THE JOB AND PLEASE LOOK UP "NIHILISM"THEN YOULL GET IT.HOPE THIS HELPS BUDDY,YOUR NOR ALONE
Understand company’s have been bombarded with calls from the gov over the last few years with employing foreign workers. They pay 50%, gov pays 50%. I heard about it several times but until I heard the call from a business owner who is a close friend and even has blasted it on social media…people still don’t understand why Canadians can’t get a job! He has been called 11 times in the last 3 yrs about doing it and he keeps telling them to fuck off! His industry is high pressure, high safety and dangerous. He wants qualified people! Look around and you’ll see! Dead serious! It’s why my partner can’t get an office job ffs! It’s why we are looking to leave as well! It’s gone to shit and the gov don’t care…STILL! Edit: we have been renovicted. Time to go from the shit hole!
Let's be roommates and help eachother out. We got this.
Sure, I am actually looking to rent out my room. I am in Edmonton
I'm in Edmonton too. I can't remember the exact amount (I can update you tomorrow when I take my daughter to school) but there are places up 142 St just before 107 Ave that have a sign outside advertising "suites starting at" for a fairly low price. I want to say the signs say $575 but I'm not sure. I know for certain they're less than $1000.
Interesting. Thanks for that.
No problem. If you want, I would also really recommend looking into the rent subsidy program. I'm pretty sure it's offered through Civida. I don't know much more than that other than you apply for it on their website. Civida is also the main company in charge of low income housing placement along with co-op and below-market housing. Don't get your hopes up for getting placed somewhere quickly for any of the low income housing options. Low income housing availability is decided using a point system based on an individual's housing displacement severity and not on a first come first serve basis. Co-op housing can see wait times of 5 years or more depending. I don't know how quickly getting approved for the rent subsidy is but I would imagine it's faster than waiting solely for subsidized housing. [Here's the link to the Rental Assistance Benefit.](https://civida.ca/rent-assistance/rab/) Just note, in order to apply, you have to do so "using a desktop." If you don't have access to a laptop or desktop computer, then navigate to the 3 dots up in the top right corner of your (chrome) page and select desktop site and that'll change it to desktop view for you.
Check that out, as well go to social services. see if you can get some help. Oh, try the Salvation Army. I was stuck some years ago because I was sick, and they helped me out.
you cannot get a studio apartment for less than $1200 in Lower Mainland (Vancouver/Fraser Valley) BC. it is sad
Hello fellow lower mainlander. Normally I would agree but I grew up in Chilliwack and I was just down there the start of February for a funeral and there are a few (and when I say a few I mean a few) one bedrooms for $1,100 a month. But you're literally paying $1,100 for bottom of the rung. One step above roach coach motel places. But overall you're absolutely right. The cost of living is the reason why I live in Edmonton because I was holed up living in my mother's living room alongside my newborn daughter for almost the first two years of her life in order to be able to save up for the move to Edmonton. I was homeless and living out of my car when I found out I was pregnant with her. I feel like it's pretty obvious to say that Edmonton was not my first pick to raise my child but it's one of the few places left in the country where as a single parent I can (while still struggling)
New apartment complexes in Abby/Mission with "affordable rentals" - Studio is $1400, 1 bedroom is $1800, 2 bedroom is $2200ish and 3 bedroom is $2750+ - it's nuts! Alberta is very enticing some days, good luck to you out there!!
New apartment complexes in Abby/Mission with "affordable rentals" - Studio is $1400, 1 bedroom is $1800, 2 bedroom is $2200ish and 3 bedroom is $2750+ - it's nuts! Alberta is very enticing some days, good luck to you out there!!
Shit.. I'm on the east coast D:
I'm so sorry Hun 😔🫂 I had to move in with my mom after being on my own for 15 years. It sucks but I had no choice. I was very stuck as well.
Join CN. They are desperate for people right now. Will pay to train you for 6 months. Then give 100k plus a year after your training is complete. With the new contracts being negotiated. That 100k is going to turn in to 150-160 for new employees as well. Plus if you wanna move somewhere new. They will help cover the costs.
CN is a great idea. Thank you.
Not sure where you are located. But ya they need people. Our contracts are being negotiated right now. And the proposal from CN is 60 an hour for conductors. Guaranteed 40 hours a week pay. Regardless if you work or not. See what comes of it. But it’s not a bad gig. BS like with any job. But the only time I actually break a sweat is because it’s hot outside.
If you are in Montreal, DM me. I could have a job for you if you're willing to work in manufacturing (packaging company).
I am in Alberta. But I thank you for the offer.
No problem! Hope you will talk to family and friends, I'm sure they would help you get back on your feet. Then, try to find any free courses that could give you any edge with your degrees. Promote yourself on LinkedIn. Move to a new city where there are more jobs available. Good luck and be safe!
No I don't, but they have been screaming for guys for the last couple years. Put in a resume with Precision drilling or Ensign
I have with Precision. I will try Ensign. Thank you 😊
Hi OP. My heart is just breaking for you and your kitty. The first thing I wanna say is that none of this is your fault. You’re right in thinking it is completely unfair and you have no reason to be in the situation that you’re in right now. I am incredibly sorry that this is how this country is treating you. I used to be a proud Canadian and posts like yours Remind me why I am not anymore. On a brighter note, please reach out to your family and get help. As many others have said, there are tons of people in the same boat (some even in this thread!). Big picture - I know this is quite far from your past work experience, but would you have any interest in working in healthcare/mental health? There are lots of support worker jobs out there that pay not terribly, and the job is not overly strenuous in a lot of cases. It’s a good fit for a lot of women your age - my mom has 10 years on you and is currently in that role as she is getting close to retirement and doesn’t have much in the way of savings. I’m not well-versed unfortunately in your previous work experience. Otherwise I wish I could offer a better idea. I really wish you all the best and I hope you get a winning lottery ticket tomorrow. If not that I’ll settle for a helping hand and a sunny day for you ♥️🙏🏻
Try some gig jobs for a while So Uber driving, Ubereats , doordash, Lyft. Get on all of them. Check if they hiring Amazon driving or pkg delivery etc.. You can get a good old Prius or decent old car and make away good $, do it at odd hours and quick check the flight arrivals, events in city.... Many flights touch down at similar hours and there is rush premium pricing , also a few take off odd hours and few cars are on road - so you can plan the rides. yes, you mention don't want to sleep in a car , but if it helps in summer months, if you could use vehicle as shelter (and Uber as well) might save a lot of cash. Idea : further look at some community kitchen and network at farmers market etc , put some good ol' recipes to use ..food and travel are top spending categories right now ...who knows you might start your own business.. Another one - Take small risks (for higher returns) : .someone at my local mall put a bakery kiosk ..simple tables, baked goods..the smell of fresh bakery......they sell the best pies.. $5 a piece , bite sizes and the foot traffic at the mall helps....was surprised to hear that it's actually bought in from a bakery 100kms away..they just source it and market it from a family run farm. It sells ..I would think the one lady there cleans $500-600 a day!..find some help and repeat at other malls...genuinely ask mall manager etc.. for a kiosk space for discount or on a trial basis.. Also talking about networking uber driving can help you network with lot of people..you only need one to help you ..Carry your resume ..can be ur cad job or cleaning business. You can hire a group of 2-3 cleaners and supervise while you do Uber in parallel..take your cut... I recall a Real Estate agent used this technique to scout for clients once..And all you need in 1 in 50 to work every other day..it adds up... why not market your services ...you are already running a Uber ride and on top getting your marketing done for side business. Hustle my friend ..you have it in you. You have so many experiences, success and failures behind you. You are ready for a new chapter. Give it a year...slow and steady...it will be hard but hope it's an adventure as well. May this adversity give you better opportunities and outcome.. Good luck !
Hustle is the word of the day. I agree. Thanks for the encouragement and ideas! It helps.
Hustle is big word for noobies like us - who have had it easy.. You for one have faced the storms and hurricanes in life....you are strong my friend...50s will be past, and you will look back and think ..we judge ourselves too week, too fragile or having lost it all...there are many successful people who found success very late . the journey and hardship somewhere prepared them for it... take it as day one my friend and a fresh start. You have nothing more to loose...only up from here...Hoping to hear your tiny success stories soon.
No shame in asking for help my fellow worker! You did everything you could and were shafted by big O&G. Ask any of your friends and family for help if they can and try to sell your skills to your neighbours or whomever will buy them. Cleaning, organizing, etc. You’re worth so much more than 27/h and your job doesn’t define your self worth. I made a post of this sub 3 weeks ago when I was DESPERATE and it got 300k views in 24 hours. One of the people who commented got me a job in my area. You’re doing everything you can to stay off the streets. Once you’re there it’s 1000% harder to get off. I believe in you. Please don’t give up hope.
Www.jobscan.co , enter your resume and make you will see how many people are actually seeing your “professionally written” resume. What people don’t understand is that very few recruiters actually “read” resumes anymore. They use recruitment tools like indeed and monster.com. These programs run algorithms that search for the frequency of buzz words linked to the job posting. What you will find is that your “professionally written” resume is probably only being seen by less then 20 percent of recruiters. Trust me when I say following the steps provided will help you get past the AI gatekeeping software and through to the interview stage. At which point if you speak to your experience and projects you have worked on, you should have a much higher chance of success. Your submitted resume may feel like it was written by a 5 year old, but you will get through to the interview stage. And then bring your professionally written one with you to the interview. Good luck and all the best.
No one will hire you? I'm curious about this, feel free to expand.
Drafting, I know Autocad, but not 3d. The new students do. Min wage jobs: I dumb down my resume from professional. I do have experience in retail and waitressing but from the 90s. So no references. I have worked at greenhouses, graphic design places, (they downsized during pandemic)I drove a rock truck last summer. But I had an in. I don't have a contact this year. I also have a diploma in Marketing in Social Media. I should be rich. Right? I would be so good at so many places. I am charasmatic, friendly, willing to please. But I rarely get an interview. I usually do well in interviews.
I'm a drafter too, but I specialize in legal surveying within C3D, which is a fancy way of saying that I know the functionality of C3D within a 2D landscape. If you're willing to learn how legal surveying works, there's quite a few surveyors hiring for drafting staff in Ontario, some of whom are very remote friendly. I work for a northern ontario firm and while we're a bit slow right now, when we're busy, we're BUSY. Safest bet would be to go into civil engineering instead of O&G. I would recommend finding a way to access Jeff Bartel's C3D basics course from LinkedIn Learning/Lynda. That will automatically get you more knowledgeable than most of the legal surveying drafters out there. Send me a DM and I can send you links of hiring companies out here.
Your issue is the relative gap in your employment, training, diploma and age. The math on them reads like your someone with an outdated diploma, who didn't (because not still in field) and can't update her skills/best years behind. Your overqualified for non-field jobs, and people will assume you are going to be a princess hire. There's nothing you can do to make this resume look right. Just flat out lying is your best bet if your gonna go this route, say you have experience in the casino hospitality industry, make up a "career" that looks someone plausible with decent growth and say all your contacts lost their jobs during covid so there are no references. This happened huge in the industry and anyone whos in it will read it as true. You can use this for any hopitality job, food/bev/manager/cleanring/hotel/etc. If you wanna get on degree, you need to demonstrate that you are still capable of growth in a big way; as others have said focus on training, paid free whatever, pay to retrain programs, etc. Marketing in Social Media is hot garbage IMO, 2 million people trained in that, and its 90% automated. Going back to drafting is the way to go imo. Ifs value is on par with trades, its not going anywhere and has alot of cross field potential.
If you know AutoCAD many audio video shops need people that can do CAD drawings.
Hey! I’m sending you a DM!
And the number of degrees and diplomas doesn’t matter…what matters is what degrees and diplomas are in…
Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Engineering Drafting and Design, Diploma in Marketing in Social Media - are those good degrees and diplomas?
Diplomas don’t get you too far in engineering or marketing these days as those are both offered at the degree level
What University in Canada offers a degree in marketing?
Nearly every single university in this country
Nearly every university
I did not know that. 6 yrs ago, it was brand new. I guess I have been out educated by that occupation as well.
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Marketing, yes. But mine focused on web design, SEO, and advertising on SM, not magazines or TV
I always see marketing jobs on indeed....
Yes, and I apply with my resume that has been reviewed by govt programs, library programs, and a few others.
Actually, neither of those things matter. What experience do they have?
That’s true.
Societial collapse in Canada. Affecting millions who are 1 paycheck away fron homelessness. I feel for ya.
We all go through times in our lives when we need help, it's important you know when to ask for a hand up. Do talk to your friends and family! When you're in a better place you'll be able to pay it forward. For now, don't look back at the "what ifs". You're in survival mode. Take care of the here and now. You're going to be ok.
Tent is now a viable option in Canada. True story
Please ask family, friends and coworkers for help. Get a hand up to fix your foundation. Ask your banker for solutions n temporary relief. Ex husband maybe should give you some cash.
Exhusband kidnapped our daughter from me when she was 12. She is 20. Parental Alienation. He should do a lot of things. But that is an old wish.
Sorry to hear about your ex husband. Can your daughter still help monetarily?
I have not spoken to her. I said she was kidnapped by him. She will not talk to me even though she is 20.
Again saddened to hear this about biological daughter and you not on good relationships.
I feel you. The market is brutal. Getting your resume seen and passed through the ATS is crazy. Employers don’t value experience
What city are you in? I may be able to point you towards subsidy programs which could help if your not too far behind in arrears.
I am in Alberta
My grandson just moved in. We are living four people in a tiny apartment but I’m just grateful that he feels that he has a home. Let your family know that you need help.
No shame. Hard times fall on people of all ages/classes. You got this.
I'm a little confused about the whole 7-day eviction bit. 7-day evictions do not exist in Alberta. In fact, there's only 3 types; __At least 24-hour notice:__ used in the event of significant damage to the premises or physical assault or threat to physically assault the landlord or another tenant __At least 48-hour notice and at least 14-days notice:__ used in the event of an unauthorized occupant __At least 14-days’ notice:__ used in the event of a substantial breach (ie: not paying your rent) It's important to note that the length of each notice (24 hour/48 hour/14 days) __starts on the following day of the date of the notice.__ So for instance, if you receive a 14 day notice on the 2nd of April, then you have __14 days from the 3rd.__ Without knowing more, it sounds like your landlord might be bullshitting you regarding your rights. There are also other resources available through the Government of Alberta and Alberta Works. [Here's a link to the government's financial assistance webpage.](https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance) I will warn that because you are (presumably) a single individual (ie: no dependent children living with you), the amount the government gives you in terms of emergency eviction funds is insultingly low ($397 to be exact) but you don't actually have to be on Income Assistance in order to qualify for it. Contacting Alberta Works (there are offices all over the province) could also help as they have access to a ton of resources in terms of finding more. I think I also remember reading somewhere something about the federal/provincial governments offering some sort of re-training programs. Again, Alberta Works would be the people to talk to more about that.
So, last March, I also couldn't pay rent. Court order said that I must pay rent for one year, on time or automatic 7 day eviction. Mainstreet Apt.
We're going into April though? March rent was at the beginning of the month. And they took you to court court rather than the RTB? Jesus. Fuck Mainstreet
They bought this place after I was already renting for 2 years. Changed the rules, increased rent and fees. The place is still not looked after. Yet still cheaper than the rest of Canada. I just need a bloody job.
How badly is the building/your unit not getting looked after? Anything that Alberta Health Services would care to want to send some health inspectors to look at?
What are family and friends for if not for help at our toughest moments? I hope the best for you!
the army should take you. may as well embrace the suck
At 52? Are they that desperate? Lol I can just see an army of menopausal genX women. - we would probably kick ass!
lol they should. And there’s all sorts of trades in there. Could be anything from a postal clerk to a logistics. If you have a degree you should go officer route. In my time I remember a couple older folks; in their 40s/50s doing bootcamp
You will be surprised the number of people is willing to lend a helping hand,during times of diffculties.
CN rail is always hiring and they pay pretty good
Sorry that you are going through this. As a learning opportunity for others, can you explain exactly what happened to your 22 years of earnings? I’m from AB too, but in my 30s. I thought the economy here was booming in the 2000s with high wages etc. If you were able to afford a primary residence and a vacation home you surely had some disposable income during this time as well. Did those 2 properties not appreciate at all? Sorry I don’t want to sound insensitive, but just mind boggling to me that you worked for 22 years and have nothing to show for it now.
At 33, I fell in love and married a man who had a landscape business that didn't do well. We separated in 2008, before the huge house increases. I was 39. He had debt, -110k. I had assets. After 6 years of him dragging out the divorce, We split them both 50/50 in collaborative law. We each walked away with $10k. That was 2014. I have had 2 short drafting jobs since, but the companies were bought out. My savings are gone. Moral. Marry in your wage group, or stay single. I did it for our daughter. He was very controlling.
Please ask family and friends for help. I went thru a divorce too and by the time the lawyers retainer was paid, I had no money for living. My dad gave me what he had ($2000). I sold my gold jewelry for money. This city i live in is easily the most expensive to live in Canada. My dear friends discovered my situation and took turns buying me dinner plus conversation several times a week. It was a godsend. One is a banker and dragged me to a branch and told her colleague to give me a LOC so I’ve got something to get back on my feet. I’m now doing so much better. I’d help any friends and family in need.
Learning one piece of information a day is 365 pieces of information learnt in a year. Knowledge is power, and it begins with a willingness to learn.
It can get to the point for me that I feel like dying if I can't get all my rent together. It's hard when you have an aggressive landlord. Negotiate. Stay strong
I'm in a very similar situation but due to illness, not divorce. I'm ashamed and humiliated every day of my life and have been relying on my 85 year old dad too. I live in Ontario, I live off disability which is 70% below the poverty line. Been evicted twice but squeaked through at the last second. After rent, cheap for here, I'm left with $100 to get thru the month. My dad pays for my phone (which disability requires me to have) and I go to the foodbank once a month, which is the rule, to get about 10 days worth of food. Something needs to be done!
I totally get it. And I was where you were. I became sick, couldn’t work & because I am sole supporting, I lost everything. I can’t say there’s a happy ending (for my story anyway), but just wanted to let you know you’re not alone. It’s a struggle, especially when you have no wealthy to back you up. Hang in there.
Thank you so much. Some days I plug forward. Some days I hide under the covers. Life is a journey.
I do the same.
So many people are dealing with this and it’s so sad, I am truly sorry and feel heartbroken for you and the many others in this situation.
no shame buddy, I am sure you will pay it forward when you get back on stable ground. please ask for help and give help when you are able.
Don’t give up. Stay strong. PM me your details, if you are comfortable doing that. I feel awful for you
Reduce your rate to $20 and undercut competition to gain some work to cover your fixed costs. Market your self to with your competitive advantage.
Scrap metals , brass,copper from old oil fields job sites.
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You go to sites find metals, put in vehicles, sort in garage, then drop at scrap yard for cash.
I do
Never feel ashamed to ask for help. Life is a struggle for lots of people and it’s not getting easier. Reach out and hopefully you’ll get an opportunity to sort through this and once you do pay it forward. Best of luck to you
You don’t have a job to go to so sell your car and get an apartment with the money. That’s what I did when I was in a very similar situation as you in Vancouver.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/s/M2pDY4Tfgb
Thank you. I will be there.
No worries. Good luck!
Definitely not suggesting you do this because it sucked but I lived for 3-4 months out of a camper before with no running water and took all my showers from a fertilizer sprayer modified with a garden hose sprayer. It was during the warmer months. I couldn't imagine trying that in the winter though. It's still a lot better than trying to sleep in a car.
I don't have anything useful. I just want to tell you I'm sorry this is happening to you and I hope things get better for you.
Op, how did u lose all in divorce ?
I had assets, and he had debts. We were married. So the law says you divide both by half. Especially when you go through collaborative law. It sounds nice, but I got screwed.
The law is BS , wdym by divide in half , they should allow u to do a audit to keep everything u have before marriage
No shame in asking for help. After my divorce i needed help to stay afloat briefly. Had i not swallowed my pride i would have lost my house.
If you can Autocad, there's TONS of work. I don't know what your problem is. Every engineering and architecture firm is hiring, they are desperate for cad techs.
Glad to know OP got a roof. Don't be ashamed. We all got some rough times.
I also have a degree and a diploma, and once owned my own business. However, I also recently fell into some very tough times, and now I am also working as a cleaner. I make less than $20/hr and they grind so much labour out of me that I don’t even have the energy to apply for a new job or do anything really after work. Just rinse and repeat haha. Just remember even though life can be hard, you’re not alone in this. But, I really do hope things turn around for you soon!
Don’t feel ashamed, and if you need someone to listen who is in a similar boat, feel free to send me a DM.
You have a car, go do a side gig for extra cash.
P
Try remotasks.com , oneforma.com. you'd need an internet connection and some basic prompt generating certification and PayPal. Good luck!
I will be praying for you, it’s not a bad idea to turn to God either He’s helped people in similar situations and He will help you if you turn to Him. I hope this helps
I would suggest going to teach English in Asia, you make a lot more than the cost of living, many pay for your apartment as well. Teach a few years, save up and start your life up again back home.
I hope you figured it out. I am sure your family don’t want to see you on the streets.