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I've been getting some questions lately about why I'm powering down and why I'm selling my SM cards.  I've even had to cut back on a lot of my writing.  I was thinking about that yesterday actually, it feels like it's been forever since I've had time to do one of my old philosophy posts and explore consciousness and the human condition.  I haven't lost faith in the platform or the dApps I love here. 
 The bear market has just been pretty rough and I think we all know that.

I've been looking for a job for the last four months or so as it became very clear that my crypto savings weren't going to be enough to survive the crypto winter.  I've managed to keep up with most of my commitments that I've made in all of the STEEM communities that I'm a part of, but some of those have fallen to the back burner, I'm not really happy about it, but it is what it is.  I've basically been doing any odd and end job I can find online while looking for a "regular" job, which brings me to why I've been selling off most of my stake in the platform and SM.

I have bills to pay, much like everyone else.  In general, I don't like asking people for handouts as I feel like it just puts my burdens on other people.  I'm hoping to find work soon and eventually get back to full time writing and building up the platform again, but for the time being it seems like seeking sources of income outside of my favorite blockchain is very necessary and slow going.  

One of my old friend's popped up and offered an opportunity that I think is kind of cool.  @sirlunchthehost is making some really cool hand-printed shirts and offered to make some to benefit me.  I think the shirt is pretty funny and most of us can probably relate, so I think it could be a good way to offer something to the community and help get the bills paid in the meantime.  If you think the shirt looks cool and want to help support a clayboyn, [check out the post here.](https://steemit.com/cmmerch/@cmmerch/cmmerch-community-inspiration-fashion-corner-i-support-the-clayboyn)