What is the poorest you have ever been?

[hatmoza]

I didn't realize how broke I was until I left my hometown in Cleveland. I lived with 3 of my brothers and we supported each other. However, I understood just how expensive life could be by yourself when I graduated and got my first real job in Charlotte, NC. My expenses were way too high. My monthly check was eaten away by taxes and my condominium rent made sure I was broke at the end of every month. I was scavenging food at work. Whatever I could grab to eat from left overs. I couldn't even afford to buy furniture (Max, makingmusic, and trashleg could attest to how empty my house was in 2013-2014). Furthermore I was going through -what I now see in hindsight- as my first and only round of depression in life. Being away from my family and social circle in Cleveland really did a number on my mental health.

Eventually I met my now wife in the latter half of 2014 and we got engaged later that year. During our engagement period she was across states with her parents and I was fucking broke as ever. I couldn't pay rent anymore and I was sleeping at work for a couple of months which really helped save a little bit of money for once.

I started looking for a second side job and an affordable place to live in the meanwhile. One day I went into a seafood restaurant. It was a franchise I actually worked at a decade ago in Cleveland so I had experience. Any who the owner and I got to talking and asked me if I knew anyone who was looking for a place to live. (moments and coincidences like this are honestly what give people faith in god imho). Long story short we become good friends, I help him with his restaurant work and in exchange he gives me a reduction on the place he's renting out.

I now have a place to live and I'm no longer in the negative each paycheck. I get married 2015 and my wife gets pregnant and my anxiety kicks in because I want to ensure my child has a financially stable life coming up in the world. I realize my job just ain't going to cut to support a third member to the family.

After months of researching and searching I get an international job in Dubai (My second language came in handy for once in my life). My job here gives me and family health insurance (something I've never had in my adult life living in the states). They pay for my housing, and I get a tax free salary.

I'm saving money and I'm planning on buying a house in America this coming year.
I've come a far way from being homeless in Charlotte and in a way I'm kind of thankful for that terrible experience because it literally was a turning point in my life. A turn for the better.