For legal reasons I cannot have any opinion on the following: Gestures broadly at everything in the Middle East

A metal red uno reverse card sits in my wallet. It was a gift from my girlfriend and an acknowledgement of our in joke of replying no u to compliments and I love yous.

Don’t worry, we’re in the worst one

No ridicule here, only empathy. It’s a rough hand you’ve been dealt. I wish I had some magic advice to give you but I don’t have any relevant knowledge of Cambodia or how to better secure a life for yourself. What I can say is that being in your 20’s you still have plenty of time to figure your life out.

You’re educated and in tech so it’s possible some remote work could come your way, or that you could try your hand at creating something of your own to try and market. Contributing to GitHub projects might help you make some connections and networking for jobs. If all else fails, there’s no shame in doing some retail, sales, or labour work while you wait for the tech market to improve (I’m in IT myself, it’s rough out there right now with all these layoffs.).

Either way, please don’t make any rash choices you can’t take back. It may seem pretty hopeless right now but time has a way of changing that perspective. The world is better with you in it.

Much love from your Canadian brother :)