Hi, I’m Kate and I’m 24 years old. This is my first time writing a post like this, but I’ve heard many times that it can be like therapy. I’ll try to summarize my story as much as possible and focus on the most important aspects.
My father, although he never abused alcohol or physically abused me, completely destroyed my mental health.
All his life, he started new businesses that failed, and he borrowed money from banks, friends, and family, resulting in enormous debt.
The debts were impossible for my parents to repay, so over 10 years ago we lost everything: our house, our car, and everything we valued, including my great-grandmother’s heirloom jewelry. I was a child then and didn’t understand what was happening and why my brother and his wife were moving to another country and starting a life there. Now I know that my father took on some of the debt under my brothers name, making it impossible for him to live in our country. When I grew up, my father decided to borrow money from shadow banks and payday loans also under my name, using my ID card without my consent. I found out about it two or three years later, when court summonses for payment started arriving at my address, totaling nearly $35,000.
I come from a small town where personal development is impossible, with no universities or significant career opportunities. My dreams of a bright future were shattered. I was always very ambitious and wanted to succeed so I could build a house for myself and my mother, start a family, and provide for my mom and kids a stable future.
With the help of a friend, I managed to move to the capital city where I could begin my studies. Fortunately, in my country, tuition is mostly free. I moved in with a friend and her boyfriend; they didn’t ask for any rent, and I only paid for food. I’d been working since I was 15, so it was natural for me to work and study at the same time. I started paying off the debt my father had taken out on me. At the time, I thought I’d get through it. I managed to pay off $7,000. However, my friend became pregnant and I was forced to find another apartment, and two weeks later, my mother died. My whole world broken.
The cost of renting the apartment consumed my entire paycheck. For several months, I barely made ends meet and saved on everything, especially food. Fortunately, I managed to graduate with a master’s degree and then took a second job, but it still wasn’t enough to pay off the debt.
I decided to look for another source of extra income, outside of my office hours. I decided to take a desperate step and started OnlyFans. However, I’m not a influencer, I’m not famie or popular. Despite my best efforts, unfortunately, I don’t earn any income from this platform.
I’m exhausted. I work in the office Monday through Friday, work as a cleaner on Saturdays and Sundays, accept translation and copywriting assignments, and then there’s OnlyFans.
I earn a total of $2,500, my living costs $1,500, and my debt payments are $3,000 every month. I still have to pay $22,000.
I’m afraid of what will happen to me, what my future will look like, and whether I’ll end up under a bridge.
I should add that I tried to report the matter to the police and sue my father, but I have no evidence; it’s just my word against my father’s. I’m left alone with everything.
How can I cope mentally? Do you have any advice on what to do in my situation?
Comments
Kate, the fact that you’re still standing, still fighting, after everything isn’t weakness, it’s proof you’re stronger than the man who put you here. You didn’t fail. He failed you. But this story isn’t over. You’re not broken, you’re rising.
How many lawyers have you spoken to about this?
Kate, I am in awe about you, how hard you work, your commitment and honesty, and your pro-active attitude.
I have no advice, unfortunately except for contacting the people from whom your father borrowed and trying to work out a better payment plan. Or take in a roommate?
I have no doubt you will get through this, but I’ll still say good luck!
HUGS