How My Job Saved My Life
A Truly Human Experience.
There I was, unemployed, utterly broke, depressed, and pretty scared. I had just left a job that, while it did not make any money, still felt like somewhat of a safe space. Safety is relative, I know. I was in that loop of telling myself it will get better, when in the back of my mind, I knew it wouldn’t. At least not in the amount of time I needed it to. My girlfriend was working a job that sapped her soul on a regular basis and a lack of income from my end meant she was stuck as well. On top of that, my parents were practically keeping me afloat, financially. #Sad.
Can you feel the disaster brew that was my life?
Nobody wants to be told that the last several years of their life was a massive waste of time and energy, especially when it’s true. It took me a while to come to terms with that fact. But, when I finally did, I took action. Spruced up the ol’ resume and sought out recruiters in the industry related to my college degree. Little luck there in terms of new employment, however, I did come out with some great feedback for my curriculum vitae (in addition to learning what one was) and some encouraging words and guidance.
Nevertheless I continued my efforts. I widened the search to more entry-level and hourly positions in an attempt to get my foot in someone’s door. I joined a staffing company next, to continue to get exposure to more employers searching for temp hires. My agent was very enthusiastic and instilled in me my first real glimmer of hope. She told me about a couple companies that she had contacts at that were looking for workers. Unfortunately, I was in an odd position of being a bit too overqualified for hourly work but lacked the experience for an entry-level salary position. You’ve all been there before, right? My old pal frustration decided to return.
One of the companies she mentioned was a Japanese manufacturer based right in my current hometown. The thought of working for a Japanese company intrigued me. I did some research on them and knew it was where I wanted to be. They had their hands in a dozen different industries and the prospect of traveling to Japan for work was enough to reignite my excitement.
No luck. Not a single hit on my resume. No call-backs. No hope.
I was bummed. For the next month, I looked for little classes and certificates I could complete and earn. Maybe I could make myself a little more attractive to a manufacturing company if I displayed some current experience in related subjects. Asking my parents for more money to help cover these classes was my favorite part… That was sarcasm.
A month later and zero attention from prospective employers, and I decided I would actively look for more jobs to apply to on my own. The staffing agency didn’t seem to have much luck on my behalf. So, I went back to the website of the Japanese company and I started applying for various positions on their job board. I got a call from their HR department a week later. Then I pinched myself several times to ensure this was not a fever dream. Because that happens.
I frantically accepted the call, and informed them I was ready to work yesterday!
HR told me they still had to discuss our phone conversation with the managers. Time to play the waiting game once again. A week went by. I wanted to pull my graying hair out. The next call came. Time to schedule the interview. Another week.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
Interview day! I arrived 10 minutes early in my best, oldest suit. The receptionist was incredibly cheery, talkative and exhilarative. She made the time fly as I waited for my HR escort. My heart was pounding and I had energy exploding from my pores.
“Don’t f*ck this up!” said the very loud voice in my head.
Interview time! 6 separate interviewers. 4.5 hours of interviews. One guy didn’t show, he was out sick that day.
Somehow, I managed to keep my energy levels high throughout the entire process. I don’t think I’d ever exerted so much mental energy for such an extended time. It was worth it. After my final interview wrapped up and HR dismissed me for the day, I thanked them graciously and took my leave. Not forgetting to speak to the receptionist on the way out. I walked to my car in the visitor parking spot. The sun was sitting on the side of the sky. I exhaled deeply before driving home. A tension headache stretched from one temple to the other.
I made it home and slipped out of the tired suit, going over the interview(s) in my head. Thinking about all of the things I didn’t say or should’ve said, or said that I now regretted saying. You know, all the stuff that your self-conscious brain wants to make you feel bad about. My phone rang, interrupting my self-deprecating thoughts. I sat down on my couch and answered it, trying to quell all of the negative thoughts that were instantly flooding my brain. It was one of the interviewers. The one who would be my manager, should I get the job. I’ll never forget the conversation we had. It was less than 5 minutes.
“I’m supposed to wait for HR to tell you this,” he said. “But I want you on my team.”
I wasn’t sure I heard him correctly, of course it was what I wanted to hear but I didn’t expect it right away, so it took a few seconds for my brain to translate the signals coming from my ear.
“Really?” I asked, as if half expecting him to say, just kidding! Got you sucker!
“You’re not the typical candidate for this position,” he said. “You don’t have the experience. You don’t have the typical degree we look for. And you only have minimal experience from your college days, which was some time ago.”
“I understand,” I said as I continued to listen.
“But, that’s why I want you on my team. You’re an unorthodox candidate and you’ll bring with you a fresh perspective. I’m sticking my neck out for you. Don’t let me down. Don’t make me look like an idiot.”
“I won’t!” I muttered. “I mean, I got you, sir. Thank you so, so much.”
“Don’t thank me, man. It was all you.”
“Thank you, anyway.”
We hung up. In the next instant, I leapt up off of my couch and whooped with joy. Then I called my mother and cried my eyes out.
That was two years and two months ago. I’m now a supervisor for that very same company. Though there were still a few bumps in the road along the way, overall this opportunity has been nothing short of a miraculous blessing. I’ve been able to pay off all of my debt, save money, and even begin investing intelligently. My future has never been brighter and is only getting better with each day. I’m even able to pursue my passion for writing on the side because I know at the end of the day, I have a good, stable job, that I’m not half bad at.
For those who were curious, my girlfriend (who is now my fiancée), also has a new job. She also recently received a promotion. Things are looking up, because that’s the only direction in which I choose to look.
Do any of you have a job that changed your life? Are you in a situation like I was prior to my current job? If so, know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep pressing forward until you reach it. And as long as you move forward, I promise, you will reach it.
