I’m a 52-year-old man from Greece, and my life has become a battle between despair and dignity. Just a few years ago, I had a stable career as a branch manager in the financial sector. I worked hard, supported my wife and our three children, and while we weren’t wealthy, we lived comfortably. But everything changed after Greece’s economic crisis. My job became unbearable, forcing me to threaten people with foreclosures instead of helping them achieve their dreams.

In 2018, I took a leap of faith. I left the bank and poured all my savings into starting a business, hoping to create a better future for my family. Then the pandemic struck, derailing everything. After two years of lockdowns and financial struggle, I lost everything: my business, my savings, and eventually my marriage. My wife asked me to leave the house, and while it hurt deeply, I didn’t want to risk putting our children through the pain of a legal battle. Since then, I’ve been trying to rebuild my life, but job opportunities in Greece are scarce, especially for someone my age.

I’ve taken temporary jobs, sold off everything I could, and even relied on the kindness of friends to scrape by. I live in my brother’s semi-basement, knowing he plans to rent it out soon. I barely have enough for food, and what hurts the most is that I can’t afford to spend quality time with my children. The distance between us grows every day.

Still, I haven’t given up hope. I’ve been researching opportunities in northern Europe, where I could earn enough to rebuild my life and support my family with dignity. I have a potential job lined up, but I lack the funds to pay for the necessary training and relocation. If I can raise €6,000, I could finally turn things around.

I dream of a new life—one where I can live simply but with pride. I picture myself in a small house surrounded by nature, with my dog, Phoenix, by my side. He’s a rescue who has been through his own hardships, and his resilience inspires me. I’d spend my free time tending bonsai trees, playing guitar, and finding joy in the little things.

I’ve always been too proud to ask for help, but now I have no choice. If enough people could contribute a small amount, I could start fresh. I plan to document my journey—from despair to dignity—by filming a road trip with Phoenix from Greece to northern Europe. I’ll share my story with those who support me, showing how their kindness changed my life.

I’m not asking for wealth—just a chance to live with dignity and provide for my children. If you can help, you’ll not only change my life but also remind me that compassion still exists in the world. Thank you for considering my story.