I'm not afraid of hard work and it's unusual for me not to have a job. Back in Spain, I worked as a security guard for 12 years in Madrid airport. I loved that every day was different and I was proud of the career I'd built for myself. Since coming to the UK last year, I've been working in hospitality as I've built up good communication skills over the years. The pandemic put a stop to that.
I became homeless when I lost my job in March. I was living and working in a hotel so not only did I lose my job but I also lost the roof over my head. The hotel wasn't receiving any clients so I was told to leave. I didn't have anywhere to turn and I don't have access to benefits so I slept on the streets for a month. It was an experience I never want to repeat. I was then helped into a hotel by the council and was moved to another hostel recently. I'm being supported by St Mungo's who are providing me with a place to stay as well as food.
Now that the pandemic is easing up, I'm really motivated to find work as a security guard. I have lots of experience and with the training, I'm hopeful I'll be able to find something! I can't stay here forever, nor do I want to. I'm so grateful for the support and kindness that I've been shown but I want to be financially independent and be free to make my own choices. Getting into work will mean I can move into a rented place of my own where I can start to rebuild my life.