Life is a Roller Coaster
Life is a roller coaster, isn’t it? Full of ups and downs, twists and turns – but they eventually return to the station and riders can get off. However, my life feels like it is stuck on the track going round and round – with a lot more dips lately. I want to start off by saying, I am putting my pride to the side and asking for help. I had to get a food box this week. Something, I had hoped I would never have to do again.
I have been unemployed over six months now. It has been over half-year since I have had any meaningful work.
A bit of backstory
Last September I fulfilled a one-year obligation to my previous employer as their Director of Communications. My duties were to manage existing external comms while creating a new branding, marketing, and communications strategy – implement said strategy and change the image of the non-profit. We did that successfully on time and under budget.
Unfortunately, one of those roller coaster dips I never saw coming, was during that time my wife of 23-years filed for divorce – but that is a story for another day.
Near the end of the commitment with the non-profit, I launched my own brand management firm Rogue Branding and began seeking clients. I had received verbal commitments for service from no fewer than six businesses. This made me quite joyous.
However, when it came time to sign contracts, for one reason or another - they all vanished. Some fearful of the economy, some for more personal reasons. I continued to seek new business, but that was stalled last fall when potential clients gained fears of what the US Presidential election could bring.
Stressed and a bit ashamed I filed unemployment. It was initially denied. I appealed and was granted the benefits. This process was emotionally draining and sheer madness; but a much-needed blessing in the end. During this time, I also focused on what Open Road Nomad could be. I started building the website, blog, and YouTube channel.
Trouble in paradise
With this behind me, and while applying to remote work, I opted for an adventure in San Diego. Some winter sunshine and warmer weather. I found adventure, just not what I had envisioned.
The day I arrived my van had serious issues; it all started with a DEF warning light but later the van would not start. I attempted some quick fixes, but nothing worked. A few days broken down near the beach allowed me to recompose myself enough and find local help.
I got the van to a mechanic where they learned how catastrophic the damage was, a blown engine. Now knowing the issue, I contacted my powertrain warranty company. After a few calls and delays, they paid the claim of $16,000 to rebuild the diesel engine.
More ups and downs on this roller coaster ride.
The mechanic began sourcing parts to rebuild the engine. The most difficult part being the head. It must come from Italy. That was in February, and we are still waiting for it to arrive.
A recent call with the mechanic indicated the van should be repaired by the end of May. Nearly six full months after it broke down on Christmas Day.
Of course, I blogged what I could about all of this.
Returning home
After learning this news, Ruby and I rented a car and drove north with about half my stuff from the van. Fortunately, I had a motorhome in storage back in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Unfortunately, it was the heart of winter, and it was not ready to live in.
While staying with friends and borrowing a car. I worked to get the moho ready.
Soon, I was spending the coldest part of a very snowy winter in a motorhome in Klamath Falls. While trying to find new employment and grow the ORN brand.
Sheldon our 2005 Forest River motorhome is for sale.
Spring’s rebirth?
Fast forward to April, Ruby and I survived the cold thanks to a lot of propane, and a few gracious friends. My children’s mother asked for help to move to Medford for better opportunities for her. Seeing this as an opportunity for me to have a larger job market, I helped her move and also drove the moho to the Rogue Valley. Where we continue to experience the struggles of a home on wheels but at least it’s not freezing anymore.
That brings us to the present – Although there are more opportunities over here, I am severely overqualified for them. I have over 50 resumes submitted, with 1 interview and a ton of rejection letters.
My unemployment has now run out and so has my cash reserves. All my finances are maxed, late, overdrawn, or shutoff. The ORN brand is not yet strong enough to be financially sustaining.
I have really fallen into a predicament. The roller coaster just keeps dropping.
A buddy of mine has some website side work for a few bucks, but that has not been greenlit from his client yet.
New dilemmas
Soon I will need to return to San Diego to retrieve the van but that too has challenges. I will need to remain in the area slowly adding miles and breaking in the rebuilt engine before making the trek back north. The mechanic will also need to perform some break in maintenance. So a quick trip is unlikely.
The thought of this while looking for local work is difficult to manage. Remote work would be fantastic!
To gain some cash, I have been trying to sell the moho on Facebook Marketplace so I can go back south. But it’s not selling, we have had a lot of tire kickers, with one showing and it came with a lowball offer. That offer was rescinded when the buyer found another rig instead.
Another drop on the roller coaster.
On top of all this, I am experiencing some health issues too. Nothing I wish to go into today. But there are issues starting to brew.
I am really feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. I do not want to ask for help, but I am asking for help.
Can you please help?
Ruby and I need cash, we need to pay bills, fuel, food, and water. If you would like to help the easiest and most direct way is through our donation links on PayPal and Venmo.
We have memberships available on the website starting at $7 monthly or $70 annually. I have a dozen affiliates you can buy from where we get a small percentage for a commission. And I have stickers for sale on the site too.
I am not one to beg, panhandle, or ask for help – however, this time is different - it is time to swallow my pride and ask for help. Can you please help? Work for Rogue Branding, subscriptions to Open Road Nomad or donations via PayPal or Venmo would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Brian & Ruby
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