💻 My MacBook Is Broken — And I Don’t Know How to Continue My Work (But I’m Not Giving Up)
A freelancer's worst nightmare realized
It finally arrived. My MacBook — the sole computer that holds my entire digital life — just died. No advance notice, no strange noises, no falling off the desk. One day, it was alive; the next, it was dead. Dead as a doornail.
For someone who works online every day, creates content, services social media clients, creates digital products, and creates new projects, this is not just a "tech problem." This is my entire life on hold.
I never thought I would be sitting here, writing on my phone, trying to explain the sensation of losing the one thing that connects me to my work, my clients, and my dreams.
When your laptop is your co-worker
If you're an online business owner or freelancer, you're aware that your laptop is not just a gadget. It's your co-worker, your office, and your future all condensed in one machine.
For me, my MacBook wasn’t just a laptop. It was the center of everything I’ve built — from my blog, to my designs, to my apps and automation workflows. Every project I’ve ever launched started from that keyboard.
And now, that same keyboard doesn’t even light up.
I tried everything to fix it — but nothing worked
When I first broke it, I was thinking, maybe it's a small issue — perhaps the adapter, or maybe the battery. I tried all the common fixes: reset SMC, replace the adapter, check the cable. It didn't matter.
No sound.
No logo.
Black screen and silence.
I took it to a repair shop hoping that someone would be able to bring it back to life. They explained that it would be more costly to fix than it would be to buy a new one. That is when I realized I was in for it.
The hardest part — losing time and drive
If your work is dependent on a computer, losing it doesn't just stop your work; it derailed your momentum.
I had projects planned, new designs to launch, articles to post on my blog, and updates to send to my followers. Suddenly, all of that had to wait.
And waiting hurts.
Every day that passes without my laptop feels like I’m falling further behind — like the world keeps moving while I’m stuck at the starting line, trying to find a way to catch up.
I reached out to laptop firms — a long shot
You start thinking out of the box during times like these. I thought, "If I reach out to a laptop firm? Maybe they would be willing to help someone like me — a creative, freelancer, and blogger — get back on their feet."
I did exactly that.
I wrote messages, emails, and even DMs to several brands, recounting my story. I told them that my MacBook failed me, that I create online content on a daily basis, and that I would be privileged to market their business to my audience if they could help me get a replacement.
But… no one responded.
No response whatsoever.
Silence hurts worse than rejection
It's easy enough to be told "no." That's all right. But silence — utter silence — is something else.
It makes you question your worth. You ask yourself whether your work is worth it, or whether anyone even notices your work.
But I understood something: maybe it's not about who helps you — maybe it's about how much you can do on your own.
Trying to keep writing on my phone
At present, I am doing everything I can from my phone. It is not enjoyable. Writing long articles, communicating with clients, designing — all from a small screen — is exhausting.
But I remind myself that every great tale has one such moment: the moment when everything collapses before it gets better.
I believe this is mine.
Even without a laptop today, I write. I am producing. I am progressing. That is what people like us do — adapt, no matter what.
What this experience taught me
Having my laptop stolen has been one of the most difficult challenges I've faced this year. But it taught me some things that I might not have otherwise learned:
Appreciation for what we have – You never know how valuable your equipment is until it goes missing.
Innovation in constraint – Being forced to improvise can compel you to think creatively.
Perseverance and tolerance – There are some days that you just have to suck it up until the good ones come around again.
Belief in progress – Even when things do break, life doesn't stop.
Wishing for a miracle (or a kind brand)
I’m still hoping that one day soon, a brand will see this story — maybe even this article — and decide to help.
Not out of pity, but out of belief: that helping creators continue their journey is worth it. That giving someone the tools to keep building can lead to something beautiful.
Until then, I'll keep updating this article on how things are going. Maybe one day I'll get to revise this same article using a brand-new laptop.
If you're going through something similar
If you're reading these lines and your gear has failed you — your laptop, phone, camera — keep in mind: you are not your device.
What makes you strong is not what you do it with, but how you do it.
Your creativity lives inside you, not inside a screen.
Keep pushing. Keep building. Keep dreaming. Because sometimes, the toughest moments build the strongest creators.
My plan to move forward
I don’t know exactly how I’ll fix this situation yet, but here’s what I’m trying:
Searching for used laptops that still perform well enough for my work.
Contacting more brands with detailed proposals and collaborations.
Selling some digital products from my shop to raise money for a replacement.
Writing more blog posts to keep traffic alive and share my journey honestly.
Networking with creators who’ve faced similar struggles — because support matters.
Every little step counts. And maybe, if you’re reading this, you’ll be part of this story too.
To anyone from a laptop brand reading this
If you’re a brand representative, or someone who works with creators, this is my open message to you:
I’m not asking for a handout — I’m asking for a chance.
A chance to keep creating.
A chance to stay productive.
A chance to prove that your brand helps people chase their dreams.
I'd happily review, endorse, and promote your product on all my sites. I already produce online content, have a blog, and assist others in building online. I'd like to do the same with your laptop — and share with the world how it made it possible for me to keep going when the going got toughest.
If that's something you're comfortable with, you can contact me directly. My website has my contact information and services listed.
I'll let you know
This isn't the end of the journey — this is a break. When I do eventually come up with a solution or get some response from a brand, I'll update the entire journey to this post.
Because I believe tales like this matter — not just for me, but for all the people who fight every day, working towards something better, even when life gets harder on them.
Until then, I’ll keep creating from my phone, one small step at a time.
Final thoughts
Maybe this broken MacBook is not a curse, but a lesson.
A lesson in patience.
A lesson in resilience.
A reminder that even when everything breaks, hope doesn’t.
So if you’ve read this far — thank you. You’re part of the journey now.
And if you're willing to assist me in getting back on the right track, you can take a glance at my digital products and designs here:
Every little bit — a visit, a share, or an encouraging message — matters more than you realize.
Author: Ayoub Zinani
From Morocco — Creator, Freelancer, and Dreamer.
