Hi all, I was originally on here hoping to get help with finding a job but I've radically accepted the inevitable- it's not going to happen. I'm college educated with 15 years of experience in admin/operations. I used to think I was good at some things but I would say in the past 3 years the only thing I'm good at is failing. I tried etsy for sewing, (no sales) UpWork for admin since I'm good with systems admin and Microsoft Office(or thought I was- not a single response), Rover for dog walking (not a single call), I tried posting blogs/writing and made about $30 month. I tried Ubering but got attacked and didn't think it was worth it (maybe I should reconsider). I've taken 9 seminar courses on optimizing job searching, resumes, AI etc.. from FlexJobs. I'm signed up with 4 temp agencies one for whom I already work (for 3 years at same position and they won't even talk to me about future jobs even though my contract ends in 12 more weeks). I've done much more but this is just a sample. As of October 12th, I'll be living in a 10x5 camper with no income for gas or food probably by December. And no- I cannot get assistance- I've asked. I'm starting to accept the inevitable now but need to figure out a home for my dog. I'm thinking Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah as I've volunteered there every year since 2019 and I know he'd at least have a place even if he would be confused and lonely. He's almost 13 and I hate to do that to him but I can't have him die in a box in the woods with me. He's a great little dog and deserves so much more. Anyone have any thoughts about placing my dog or other reputable places? I live almost 2000 miles from Best Friends and not sure if I'll have the gas to get there. He's really good and is a mini dachshund of 10 lbs. Thanks for any advice.

28 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:31PM UTC

   I never lived in Utah- I would drive the 2000 miles to go volunteer every year, last time being October 2022. I don't want to accept it either, but without a job or home there are not a lot of other options. I'm basically squatting right now and I have to be out next Friday. Don't know what next. The world doesn't care if I die in a box in the woods but that shouldn't be my dog's fate. He didn't ask to be put in a situation with a useless nobody who is unemployable. I'm just looking for something more east coast no kill for him in case I run out of gas money to get to Utah.

2. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:39PM UTC

   Sounds like you've made a great choice for his last years.

3. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:46PM UTC

   Sounds like you are lucky enough to have options. Enjoy them. It's always easy to say "if I can you can". It's a very narcissistic statement of someone who judges because they can't actually hear others over their own voice.

4. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:39PM UTC

   Would it be worthwhile to start lower? Not sure what your College Education is. Perhaps start working at fast food (steady pay and some benefits) given where you are at in life. Perhaps you can grow into management at fast food and then decide to jump. It would give you a starting route (better than camper with no income / box in the woods). Sometimes you need to take an available job. No fast food job is beneath you if you are desperate.

5. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

   Absolutely it would... I've tried that too with no responses. I don't think anything is "beneath" me.

6. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 5:02PM UTC

   That is odd. Are you getting interviews but no follow up responses or just no responses at all? If no responses at all, I would suggest applying to all the fast food and places like Arc in the area directly to their websites rather than job boards. My primary suggestion is to contact the college you graduated from and go through their placement programs (interview, resume, other) before you start applying.

7. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 7:47PM UTC

   Please don’t feel

   like you’re a useless nobody. The world needs you.

8. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 8:16PM UTC

   First, and this sounds stupid, but create a positive attitude because you WILL find work. If needed, make a gratitude list every morning to set your intention for success.

   Keep looking until you find ANY job for now to stabilize your income. If worse comes to worst, use the old-fashioned meet-and-greet way. Particularly if you are in a rural area, you may have better luck in person. Take a copy of your resume, wear a nice outfit, and hit the pavement. Go to every feasible place nearby and inquire. It is exhausting but it can work in dire situations!

   Yes, reconsider UBER.

   Find an RV Park with nice folks and good internet, and move NOW. I would do that right away to save money. Living in a trailer isn't so bad. I lived in a travel trailer for five years in rural AZ and actually, it can be liberating. There is no one to evict you if you can't pay the rent, and you can live fairly comfortably and very inexpensively. It beats living out of a car! You can also relocate very cheaply. In my case, my trailer saved me enormous amounts of money moving back to California.

   Don't get rid of the dog, that is your support and the dog loves you. You NEED that support now. Is there anyone in your family you can reach out to? If so do it. If not, remember that we shine the most when we help others. Seek out other folks in similar situations and put your ideas together. Go to church to help integrate into the community and meet people.

   Finally do not give up. Something will come through. You must find within yourself the strength to keep going and you WILL get a break eventually. Remember above all, keep a positive attitude. Weigh all options. Ask for help.

   "The house is on fire", act accordingly.

   Good luck! I feel your pain!

9. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

   Hi. First- when anyone is trying to help I would certainly never judge anything they say as "stupid". I thank you for any time you spend even reading this any trying to be a help. I'm not at all opposed to living in my camper. I've checked RV parks and they are as much as a mortgage or rent these days. I'm open to any ones you know that aren't and are safe to let my dog out at night alone. I do not want to lose my dog- I just can't let him go down with me... if I give him up it's so he lives on and maybe has a chance. I don't have any family. I do wish I could be more positive. It's an irony because I'm unrecognizable in my attitude since 3 years ago. I think after about 2 years I just lost hope. It's hard to know you are not worth anything really. Nonetheless I had to accept it and now I'm just in "save my dog" mode. I hate to admit it- but if "the house is on fire"... I would get my dog out to a safe place and go back in.

10. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 9:05PM UTC

    This post is heartbreaking and scary, as my furbabies are my biggest worry in unemployment. No judgement, just tears.

    Do you have any friends or family who could foster your dog or local rescues that coordinate emergency fostering for people in bad situations like this?

11. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 3:00PM UTC

    Thank you for no judgment. Unfortunately I don't have any family and my few friends don't have the means. I did read a post about a crisis care foster I'm going to look into. It gives me a little bit of hope. All I care about is making sure he doesn't become a victim of my situation. He's the best dog on earth... he deserves to be treated as such.

12. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 6:24PM UTC

    Sending lots of good vibes for you both. I lost my "best dog on earth" senior last year and adopted again. so I understand the bond.

13. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 10:24PM UTC

    Companies are starting to hire seasonal help for the upcoming holiday season now. Have you tried driving for Lyft? They have a feature where women can request female drivers, so maybe that's a bit safer? Please exhaust all avenues before you give up your furbaby. If you absolutely have to, look into Crisis Foster Care instead so you can get your little guy back once you're on your feet.

14. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 2:58PM UTC

    Thank you for this suggestion! I have never heard of Crisis Foster Care but I am going to look into it right after this. It makes me want to die every time I think of giving him up- it's the last thing I want to do. I have nothing and no-one else and he's the best. I just also know it's unfair to leave him to my fate.

15. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 12:20PM UTC

    Have you applied to local and state agencies for employment? How about the school systems? Can you learn to drive a school bus?

16. Monette AndersonJuly 18,2024 at 1:52PM UTC

    Our district always needs school bus drivers and the pay is pretty good. This is a great idea

17. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

    I have applied to the state and county agencies. And the school systems. I'm sure I could learn how to drive a bus but you have to have a CDL which costs something i don't have.. money. Thank you for the ideas

18. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 6:25PM UTC

    If. They hire you, they pay for you to get your CDL

19. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

    You very well may qualify for SNAP assistance. Check that out. Are there food pantries you can utilize? If so, and if feeding the dog is the main source of concern for his care, you can boil some chicken and rice for him (its actually cheaper than dog food!).

    I completely relate to this post .. I have 20+ years in operations and program management and have been out of work for over a year. My savings have run dry. It's really hard out there - I wish you all the best!

20. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

    Thanks for the ideas. I don't qualify for SNAP or anything else. I've checked it all. With that said, maybe you are right.. maybe a food bank would be willing to give me some canned chicken and rice for him. I haven't checked on that. It's all I care about- my pup. I hope you have a support system (It's really hard when you are totally alone) and I wish you the best too.

21. Sarah ZifferJuly 18,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    Please don’t give up your senior dog! He will be lost without you and it will be heartbreaking for you both. There are pet food banks that will give you food if that’s a concern. I googled it for Utah. Look up ruffhaven.org. They give away pet food and supplies. No need to prove your income or lack thereof. Their site also has resources for other pet food banks.

    I also have a rover profile and no requests. It’s hard to get started on there. A friend suggested I go to dog parks and network there. Or leave a card/flyer at a local boutique pet store. Or tell your neighbors you are available for dog walking.

    as someone else mentioned for seasonal work - it’s not fun but warehouses will be hiring for the winter at any outdoor retailer. They ramp up hiring in the warehouse and store locations for snow season. So REI, evo, Backcountry, Salomon, any other ski/snowboard shop.

    For admin work there are numerous sites outside of Upwork that are much better. Flexjobs has some postings on remote job boards. I would go through those if you haven’t already and try other remote sites. Also LinkedIn networking is huge - I would even make a post on LinkedIn with all of this. People do rally on that site and reach out and recruiters may hit you up. I wish you all the best

22. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 3:16PM UTC

    Hi again... I sort of did "have money" before. Really all it was is I saved enough gas money to get there and back- I had enough for that. It was the only place I went to each year. In 2019 I stayed in my car, then in my camper the other years. Boondocking. (no electric, water etc.). I would go in October when I didn't need heat or air. It was the one thing I looked forward to every year. It was my idea of a vacation :). If I can make it out there again I could boondock and volunteer again. They don't pay so I still won't have money to feed my pup... but they may actually have mercy on me and give me something for him... thank you for that thought! I can't afford to get a CDL- I would be ok being a bus driver. I can easily pass a background check (I used to be a teacher too so I had to do the whole finger print/background check then ;)). I'm spiritual but not religious at all. I don't really know what to believe in any more. You are a blessing. Thank you.

23. AnonymousJuly 18,2024 at 9:25PM UTC

    Listen here, you are NOT giving up and you are NOT giving up your beloved puppy. I have lost jobs, my home and had no idea how I was going to feed myself, but somehow I made it. That was 14 years ago. Go to every single place you know of and apply. Go to the churches, ask for work, like admin work, county offices like the library. Swallow all pride and ask family and friends for help. Just to get you through. I beg you, please do not give up on yourself or your pet. They will not survive without you. I am not familiar with UTAH, but look, if there's a casino nearby, they are always hiring and need workers. Look at any local colleges, grocery stores, anything to at least make enough to feed yourself and your sweet puppy. This is a tough spot but you know what, everything is temporary and this is building your stamina muscles. I have been through it and had absolutely no handouts, no money, except a tiny bit of unemployment. I also am a christian so I prayed, a lot. Whatever your belief is, do it, pray, mediate, ask the universe for mercy and watch.... your life will change. And call on those who are your loved ones and ask for some help. But keep looking and then try to move closer to your besties. Please keep us posted and I have said a prayer for you today that you will be given grace and help will show up. Listen to those here who are giving you resources to feed your pet. Stay strong, you've got this!

24. AnonymousJuly 19,2024 at 2:19AM UTC

    Yes, I'm struggling as well. I think we all are.

25. AnonymousJuly 19,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

    Have you looked into the automotive industry? Either sales or service? If you are open to training and willing to work hard there is often a lot of opportunity in that industry. Call centers are another option for getting your foot in the door and then progressing from there. Have you reached out to the department of workforce services? They may offer training for a new industry. If you want to gig work, food delivery is the safest option. Also as others have stated, seasonal work is right around the corner- retail, delivery drivers, warehouses etc positions will be available soon. Please don’t give up!!!

26. KatJuly 19,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

    Aside from this being flagged as spam/scam posting, how is this good advice to someone in this situation? Someone who's looking at homelessness and no income, plus feeling generally hopeless about life is not the person to pitch this to. If they had $500, I'm sure they could find better things to do with that money than waste it on a course like this. I do hope OP finds support and income from a legitimate source (retail, warehouse, fast food, non-profit, etc.) so she can keep herself afloat.

27. AnonymousJuly 19,2024 at 4:03PM UTC

    There are a lot of retail and food service jobs out there. While I know that may not be a career, it will be more reliable than side hustle jobs for the moment. October will also be peak holiday hiring season in retail. All of that said, if you really want to get into things like Etsy, you're going to have to grow a massive social media presence to make bank on that.

28. Danielle CastilloJuly 25,2024 at 11:39PM UTC

    Please hang on to your dog. It is not the best time to be rehoming pets because many people are doing that, and shelters across the U.S. are packed. Also, older dogs tend to be overlooked in the shelters in favor of puppies or younger dogs. I would hate for that to happen to your little guy and he ends up dying of a broken heart anyway. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but hard times are a part of life and you just have to figure it out. With that said, I have some suggestions that can help.

    For quick side cash, sign up to these companies for mystery shopping and short term gigs. It's not regular income but you can make some money to put gas in your car and buy some cheap dog food. I was able to buy my cat a big bag of cat food and some litter using these sites:

    iSecretshop.com

    secretshopper.com

    ccmiretailservices.com

    shiftsmart.com

    gigspot.com

    DataForce.com

    Field Agent

    Freecash (This one pays you for playing games. I have used it and can verify that it's legit.)

    -Also, check out Rat Race Rebellion and follow Two Chicks with a Side Hustle on Youtube for additional job/gig leads.

    Housing:

    Google income based apartments in Utah, contact the properties, and get your name on all of the wait lists if there are any. This is different from low income apartments because income based apartments calculate your rent based on how much income you make. So basically, the rent goes up or down when your income goes up or down. Hopefully by the time an apartment is available for you, you'll have permanent income.

    -In the meantime, apply for temporary housing help and SNAP again. If they give you a hard time, find an Outreach Coordinator to advocate for you-they usually work at food banks. An outreach coordinator helped me get SNAP benefits even though I'm unemployed. It turns out that some areas in the country (usually rural/very poor areas) are excluded from the work requirement to receive SNAP benefits, but social services won't tell you that.

    Feeding your dog:

    As long as you have food for yourself, you can feed your dog. Boil some chicken breast, salmon, or other fish in hot water, add some salt for taste then shred it. Also, some food pantries have pet food, so make sure to ask.

    Vet care:

    If he needs to see a vet, VCA Animal Hospitals is currently offering a free first exam coupon. You will have 3 months to use it. I used this coupon in May to take my cat to the vet and he received a complementary flea and tick treatment. There's multiple locations in Utah.

    Other general info:

    For free phones: SafelinkWireless.com, GenMobile.com, Lifeline.com, AccessWireless.com

    For internet: Spectrum Internet Assist program for low income people is $29.99/mo. They also offer free wifi and mobile for 12 mos.

    Finally, if you're interested in being a movie extra or do paid promotions check out auditionsfree.com. This is an upcoming one on 7/27 and 7/28. If you're interested email them immediately:

    https://www.auditionsfree.com/2024/urgent-casting-call-in-utah-for-models-and-brand-ambassadors-for-corporate-project-in-heber-city-utah/

    I know this was a long post but I just wanted to be helpful. Good luck! And don't give up on your dog; our pets help us get through tough times.