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It took quite a lot of courage to write this post, but here goes: I spent a large portion of the past 9 months sleeping rough, maybe 1 in 10 days in total. I

It took quite a lot of courage to write this post, but here goes: I spent a large portion of the past 9 months sleeping rough, maybe 1 in 10 days in total. I was living in Spain and moved back on my own at the age of 19, with no job to come to, the promise of a house to stay at for a month and £1,200. This was no grand entrepreneurial dream, it was simply trying against everything which told me it was stupid to improve the quality of my life, see the woman I left behind in the UK and find work within the tech industry. People these days are too quick to criticize the youth of today for not having jobs or sponging off their parents but in my opinion, even when you have a large skill set and are willing to do anything, it isn't easy to find work. I went to 41 interviews in everything from cleaning to PHP programming before I was finally accepted on a job. Even once I found a job, the pay was piss poor and I was living in sheltered accommodation (a step up from the bedsits and alley ways I never told any of my friends or families I was 'sleeping' in) to keep a roof over my head, all the time only being able to afford to eat one meal per day (on a good week!) Now, 9 months later, I am living in a home which I find adequate, I have a new, new job which pays me £13,000 per year (almost 3 times what I got paid at my first job) and my relationship with my girlfriend is stronger than ever. But more importantly, I feel more happy and more empowered than ever before in my entire life. The point of this post is really this: If you are in this situation, you can make it out, it won't be easy, but it isn't impossible. The area is totally different, but if you are currently homeless, or in danger of being homeless, or really just in any kind of trouble in the north of England, you can find my email address on my profile here, fire a message off to me and I will see what I can do. Somebody helped me out when I was at the darkest point, it's only fitting I do the same - no one wants to be alone at Christmas. Also, on a side note, the day I created my HN account on here I was sleeping rough, sat in the middle of a public park with just a backpack and a laptop, but dreaming of a better life, just wanted to thank all the people on here for showing me the better side of humanity when all hope seemed lost

snikolic 14y ago
Sincerely, thank you for sharing. (both your story and your generosity)
- shanelja 14y ago
  It's really nothing, what might be something small to me now, like a food parcel costing a few pounds, could make a difference to someone else. It would be ungrateful and irresponsible of me not to want to help. I am however off to sleep now, but I will be awake again by 7am. My offer still stands to all who need it.
  - Tyrant505 14y ago
    I'm in america and feel like I just want to spend xmas with you! God bless. You're a good person. Kick some ass.
    - shanelja 14y ago
      Thanks a lot Tyrant - I just looked through my old posts on here and saw I posted that I will be alone for Christmas, I just wanted to say that I now won't be. I managed to collect a small group of like minded people for this Christmas and I truly can't wait to properly celebrate the first major holiday since moving back to the UK with them. As for my being a good person, I don't entirely agree, we all make stupid mistakes and do bad things in our life (unless of course you live the life of a saint) but it is our actions when we have the chance to do good which define this. Come back in a couple of years once I've helped a few more people and we will see if I consider myself a good person yet!
    - Crake 14y ago
      Seconding this! haha. Have a good holiday, both of you.
guylhem 14y ago
I sincerely wish you the best, in both your personal life and your career, but "when you have a large skill set and are willing to do anything" you DO find work. And when you are damn good at what you do and productive - more productive than the "average" mediocre default - you DO get rewarded. That being said, however being in a weak position is a self reinforcing spiral where you get fewer and fewer opportunities and become less productive. And small hits take a tremendous toll - one who has not experienced what you have should at least read Scalzi's "On being poor" - http://whatever.scalzi.com/2005/09/03/being-poor/ http://whatever.scalzi.com/2005/09/03/being-poor/ Yet for some reason you found the strength to get back on your feet. Once again, I sincerely wish you the best, and hope you can give a hand to other people. We all need help at one time or the other, and it's better when you are on the giving end :-)
- untog 14y ago
  but "when you have a large skill set and are willing to do anything" you DO find work. I think that's the point he's making. HN has a can-do, make your own opportunities mindset that can often lead to us forget that we are living in deep recession. Depending on where you are in the world it is still extremely hard to find work, no matter how clever or willing you are.
  - deleted 14y ago
    [deleted]
  - hilko 14y ago
    True, which is why I'm happy to be at a point in life where 'making my own opportunities' includes packing my bags and leaving for greener pastures. I truly feel for those who don't have that option, and are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- yummyfajitas 14y ago
  You really shouldn't read Scalzi's "On being poor" - it's not particularly informative. The typical poor American is vastly better off than what Scalzi describes. http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1713461 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1713461
joe_the_user 14y ago
If you are in this situation, you can make it out, it won't be easy, but it isn't impossible. That is an important message for people who in this kind of situation and need to keep persevering to get out. Thanks. But I would want to caution others looking from the outside not to take the statement as "nothing to worry about, the good people will be OK, move along...". If we think of the condition of young-adult homeless as stochastic process, it shouldn't surprise us that people get out of it. But the question and the potential problem is if more people are getting into it than get out it. Society as a system, has to consider this.
- fred_b 14y ago
  I think part of the problem is that it's hard to discuss the problem and solution in a way that is both descriptive and productive. I think these are a some of other issues: 1. I think too many people attend college (in the US at least). College is expensive, and the ease with which students can attain loans to attend has made it something that people probably take too lightly. There's still a perception that if you go to college and study "something," when you graduate you'll get a job from the magically place where jobs come from. This perception is being challenged, but it's a barrier. 2. The fields of study that tend to lead to higher paying roles also tend to be more challenging. The difficulty and popularity is somewhat "priced in" in the microeconomic sense. For instance, I think our society romanticized the humanities and arts, despite the harsh reality that these programs leave students with few concrete/marketable skills. And while I'm not saying that we should gut arts and humanities programs, I would argue that right now that skill-set is in low demand. Statistically speaking, the chances of success are low and the roles of distinction are scarce, leading to higher unemployment rate for certain fields of study. Add to that the general scarcity of good jobs, and an increasingly competitive economy as developing countries rise out of poverty and converge to the developed ones. So what do we do? 1. I think our society should better educate it's citizens on these issues (what are the value propositions of certain fields of study, what can people do to be more successful, etc). I think we could also use some gov't coordination to ensure that the skills being learned match the desired skills of the market. Anecdotally I know of many firms that are hiring, but feel there's a mismatch between the skills available and those desired. 2. I think we should find some way to provide employment for at least some of these un/underemployed youths. The Civilian Conservation Corps from the Depression Era U.S. comes to mind. Basically, citizens were given the option to work on gov't infrastructure projects as an employment option. I like this because it both provides assistance to the unemployed and allows society to recover some of the cost of helping its citizens. And congratulations, shanelja. The situation among some of my friends has been pretty bleak... It's always nice to hear an uplifting story...
eLobato 14y ago
Living in Spain at the age of 19 with no college degree, no matter how sharp your skills are, is truly a pain in the ass. It sounds like your parents were able to support you, did you never consider to move back with them then figure out your job prospects in the UK? I'm just imagining you're the son of one of the many British expats that live on the Canary Islands/Andalusian/Valencia coast. There aren't many tech jobs around there but I saw a few companies started by people in these typical expat areas that might be willing to take people like you (given you like Spain enough to stay in). Did you ever consider to stay with your family in Spain and try to get a college degree in there? In any case, glad to see it's working out so far. The best thing when you're in a hole is there's a lot of room for improvement.
- shanelja 14y ago
  Before I reply, I will give some back story: I lived with my mother and sister in the UK and wasn't working, my skills with the Spanish language were poor to say the least and finding a job was proving near impossible. I moved back to the UK to widen my prospects and it worked to be honest, even without a college degree I managed to find work, I did look in Spain, don't get me wrong, but there was nothing which resonated with me and I became disillusioned with the country and the idea of living there. I did consider moving back to live with my mother, but the harder my situation became, the more focused I became on succeeding, if I moved back I would have given up a big part of me, my drive and passion for my work and my love for my girlfriend, there was no tangential course which I could myself being willing to give those up. As for your last statement, I couldn't agree more, the lower you sink, the more scope there is for climbing. Every time I get kicked down, I feel more empowered, safe in the knowledge that I've been through worse things and I always found a way to make them better. Of course, I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends or girlfriend, I can't thank them enough for the help I've had.
  - kokey 14y ago
    I moved back to the UK after spending 3 years in Gibraltar, my girlfriend who lived across the border in Spain followed me. Places like Spain is where people go when they've already made it (or run away to when they've made it illegaly), it rarely the place where you make it. I found it easy to get work in London, apart from work being abundant here I also genuinely know how to work the jobs market here, and hence helped my girlfriend to land work quickly. I keep moving back to London because the exposure to culture and work experience here is second to none. However, it's a tough place. Very unforgiving, and everything apart from culture and work is a lot harder to deal with here. It was the third time I moved here and by this time I had the right connections to have somewhere reasonable to stay. Very much unlike my first time, so I can relate.
Crake 14y ago
I'm really glad things are better for you. I hope they continue to improve.

snikolic 14y ago

Sincerely, thank you for sharing. (both your story and your generosity)

shanelja 14y ago
It's really nothing, what might be something small to me now, like a food parcel costing a few pounds, could make a difference to someone else. It would be ungrateful and irresponsible of me not to want to help. I am however off to sleep now, but I will be awake again by 7am. My offer still stands to all who need it.
- Tyrant505 14y ago
  I'm in america and feel like I just want to spend xmas with you! God bless. You're a good person. Kick some ass.
  - shanelja 14y ago
    Thanks a lot Tyrant - I just looked through my old posts on here and saw I posted that I will be alone for Christmas, I just wanted to say that I now won't be. I managed to collect a small group of like minded people for this Christmas and I truly can't wait to properly celebrate the first major holiday since moving back to the UK with them. As for my being a good person, I don't entirely agree, we all make stupid mistakes and do bad things in our life (unless of course you live the life of a saint) but it is our actions when we have the chance to do good which define this. Come back in a couple of years once I've helped a few more people and we will see if I consider myself a good person yet!
  - Crake 14y ago
    Seconding this! haha. Have a good holiday, both of you.

guylhem 14y ago

I sincerely wish you the best, in both your personal life and your career, but "when you have a large skill set and are willing to do anything" you DO find work. And when you are damn good at what you do and productive - more productive than the "average" mediocre default - you DO get rewarded. That being said, however being in a weak position is a self reinforcing spiral where you get fewer and fewer opportunities and become less productive. And small hits take a tremendous toll - one who has not experienced what you have should at least read Scalzi's "On being poor" - http://whatever.scalzi.com/2005/09/03/being-poor/ http://whatever.scalzi.com/2005/09/03/being-poor/ Yet for some reason you found the strength to get back on your feet. Once again, I sincerely wish you the best, and hope you can give a hand to other people. We all need help at one time or the other, and it's better when you are on the giving end :-)

untog 14y ago
but "when you have a large skill set and are willing to do anything" you DO find work. I think that's the point he's making. HN has a can-do, make your own opportunities mindset that can often lead to us forget that we are living in deep recession. Depending on where you are in the world it is still extremely hard to find work, no matter how clever or willing you are.
- deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]
- hilko 14y ago
  True, which is why I'm happy to be at a point in life where 'making my own opportunities' includes packing my bags and leaving for greener pastures. I truly feel for those who don't have that option, and are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
yummyfajitas 14y ago
You really shouldn't read Scalzi's "On being poor" - it's not particularly informative. The typical poor American is vastly better off than what Scalzi describes. http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1713461 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1713461

joe_the_user 14y ago

If you are in this situation, you can make it out, it won't be easy, but it isn't impossible. That is an important message for people who in this kind of situation and need to keep persevering to get out. Thanks. But I would want to caution others looking from the outside not to take the statement as "nothing to worry about, the good people will be OK, move along...". If we think of the condition of young-adult homeless as stochastic process, it shouldn't surprise us that people get out of it. But the question and the potential problem is if more people are getting into it than get out it. Society as a system, has to consider this.

fred_b 14y ago
I think part of the problem is that it's hard to discuss the problem and solution in a way that is both descriptive and productive. I think these are a some of other issues: 1. I think too many people attend college (in the US at least). College is expensive, and the ease with which students can attain loans to attend has made it something that people probably take too lightly. There's still a perception that if you go to college and study "something," when you graduate you'll get a job from the magically place where jobs come from. This perception is being challenged, but it's a barrier. 2. The fields of study that tend to lead to higher paying roles also tend to be more challenging. The difficulty and popularity is somewhat "priced in" in the microeconomic sense. For instance, I think our society romanticized the humanities and arts, despite the harsh reality that these programs leave students with few concrete/marketable skills. And while I'm not saying that we should gut arts and humanities programs, I would argue that right now that skill-set is in low demand. Statistically speaking, the chances of success are low and the roles of distinction are scarce, leading to higher unemployment rate for certain fields of study. Add to that the general scarcity of good jobs, and an increasingly competitive economy as developing countries rise out of poverty and converge to the developed ones. So what do we do? 1. I think our society should better educate it's citizens on these issues (what are the value propositions of certain fields of study, what can people do to be more successful, etc). I think we could also use some gov't coordination to ensure that the skills being learned match the desired skills of the market. Anecdotally I know of many firms that are hiring, but feel there's a mismatch between the skills available and those desired. 2. I think we should find some way to provide employment for at least some of these un/underemployed youths. The Civilian Conservation Corps from the Depression Era U.S. comes to mind. Basically, citizens were given the option to work on gov't infrastructure projects as an employment option. I like this because it both provides assistance to the unemployed and allows society to recover some of the cost of helping its citizens. And congratulations, shanelja. The situation among some of my friends has been pretty bleak... It's always nice to hear an uplifting story...

eLobato 14y ago

Living in Spain at the age of 19 with no college degree, no matter how sharp your skills are, is truly a pain in the ass. It sounds like your parents were able to support you, did you never consider to move back with them then figure out your job prospects in the UK? I'm just imagining you're the son of one of the many British expats that live on the Canary Islands/Andalusian/Valencia coast. There aren't many tech jobs around there but I saw a few companies started by people in these typical expat areas that might be willing to take people like you (given you like Spain enough to stay in). Did you ever consider to stay with your family in Spain and try to get a college degree in there? In any case, glad to see it's working out so far. The best thing when you're in a hole is there's a lot of room for improvement.

shanelja 14y ago
Before I reply, I will give some back story: I lived with my mother and sister in the UK and wasn't working, my skills with the Spanish language were poor to say the least and finding a job was proving near impossible. I moved back to the UK to widen my prospects and it worked to be honest, even without a college degree I managed to find work, I did look in Spain, don't get me wrong, but there was nothing which resonated with me and I became disillusioned with the country and the idea of living there. I did consider moving back to live with my mother, but the harder my situation became, the more focused I became on succeeding, if I moved back I would have given up a big part of me, my drive and passion for my work and my love for my girlfriend, there was no tangential course which I could myself being willing to give those up. As for your last statement, I couldn't agree more, the lower you sink, the more scope there is for climbing. Every time I get kicked down, I feel more empowered, safe in the knowledge that I've been through worse things and I always found a way to make them better. Of course, I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends or girlfriend, I can't thank them enough for the help I've had.
- kokey 14y ago
  I moved back to the UK after spending 3 years in Gibraltar, my girlfriend who lived across the border in Spain followed me. Places like Spain is where people go when they've already made it (or run away to when they've made it illegaly), it rarely the place where you make it. I found it easy to get work in London, apart from work being abundant here I also genuinely know how to work the jobs market here, and hence helped my girlfriend to land work quickly. I keep moving back to London because the exposure to culture and work experience here is second to none. However, it's a tough place. Very unforgiving, and everything apart from culture and work is a lot harder to deal with here. It was the third time I moved here and by this time I had the right connections to have somewhere reasonable to stay. Very much unlike my first time, so I can relate.

Crake 14y ago

I'm really glad things are better for you. I hope they continue to improve.