Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Hi everyone,

I’ll keep this short. I’m currently going through a very challenging period and would like to request some financial assistance or support if possible.

I was recently discharged from bankruptcy and, shortly after, was laid off from my job. Earlier this year, my mum underwent major surgery due to a gallbladder tumour. My dad and I have been taking turns caring for her, but it has been extremely difficult as he works full-time as a cleaner and I have been trying to manage multiple part-time jobs since losing my primary income. Despite this, I’m still struggling to cover basic living expenses for my family.

On top of that, the financial stress has affected my personal life, leading to my girlfriend leaving as well. It has been an overwhelming time — from bankruptcy, to losing my job, to my family’s health situation — all happening at once.

I know this may not be the ideal platform to share something so personal, but I truly hope there may be someone who is willing to extend a helping hand, whether financially, emotionally, or through opportunities.

I’m 37 (M) and previously worked as a personal trainer. I remain active in the fitness industry, and if anyone is open to it, I would be more than happy to offer personal training, coaching, or any fitness-related services in exchange for support. I’m also open to discussing any legitimate work opportunities or collaborations. Even a listening ear would mean a lot during this low point in my life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I sincerely appreciate any form of support or understanding.

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Bumping the thread

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Totally understand what you going thru, mine story is very same as yours. Everything happens for a reason, hang in tight and it will eventually be over. Trust the process

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Just curious, I always thought that personal trainers are like self employed and work with different gyms and clients. Will get laid off.

No offence bro, just want to know more as I always thought the job can earn decent money with the occasional contact with XMM and rich tai tai

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

bro... be careful who PM you ok.. wait give you free trip to cambodia...

jia you...

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Thank you bro for the words of encouragement and I really appreciate that 🙏🏻

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Hi bro, I used to have a decent client base before I decided to make a mid-career switch. Most of my clients were expats so my income would take a hit whenever their contracts ended. To answer your question yes I’ve seen it happen personally, but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way for me. A handful of my ex-colleagues were luckier, I’d say.😓

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Thank you bro for the heads up and words of encouragement 🙏🏻

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Hi bro, thanks for the reply. I assume your mid-career switch probably didn't turn out well and potentially got you into your finance issue. I hope it's not the case of spending too much on marketing as a property agent or some MLM thing.

Have you thought of going back to being a personal trainer and focusing on a local clientele base?

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Hi bro thanks for checking in.

You’re right and it was a pretty dramatic situation with my ex. She wasn’t comfortable with me being a PT because she was afraid of the kinky stuff that might happen so out of respect I quit and went to work for her dad.

A couple of years later her dad found out about my bankruptcy and started worrying that I wasn’t an ideal partner for his daughter and might affect the family’s image. I ended up losing the job and shortly after my girlfriend left me too.

I wasn’t earning much working for her dad and most of my income went towards her, so I didn’t manage to build up any savings.😓
Not the smartest moves but I guess I was too invested in the relationship at that point. .

I’ve tried reconnecting with my former clients but most have either relocated or found another PT since I left the industry. Marketing will also take time to gain traction and it’s tough competing with so many fitness influencers and bodybuilders in such a saturated market.

Expats generally have stronger spending power compared to local clients, that’s just the reality of it. Once they see the value you bring as a PT, the cost isn’t really an issue for them. Locals however, rarely consider hiring a trainer and even when they do, it’s usually only for a short-term period of 2–6 months. They also tend to be more price-sensitive.😓

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Sorry to hear about your situation.
It is indeed tough when family, finances, work, relationship and health issues all come together.

I applaud you for being brave, able to word your situation properly during such times and choosing to do legit work instead of resorting to scams.
Hopefully you have someone like a counsellor to talk to.

Perhaps you can share what other skills you have or your plans beyond a personal trainer.
Also have you considered posting your PT services on carousell? Or using skillsfuture to find a job? Hopefully you are also seeking your MPs help or even family centre to get help with family expenses given the situation.

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Thank you bro for sharing these job opportunities and I appreciate that 🙏🏻

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Hi bro, I’ve spoken to a therapist about this and it does help ease the stress a little, but I’m still feeling overwhelmed on certain days. I’ve also reached out to several government agencies regarding my current situation and have already submitted my application for financial aid.

I’ve always had strong interpersonal skills and being a PT has definitely helped refine that. I’m planning to pursue both financial planning and property in the future so that’s a work in progress. I just need to hang on a bit longer until things stabilise. And yes I have been advertising PT services on IG and Carousell.

Re: Requesting some help during a difficult time
 

Bumping up the post