Finally

Three days ago, I was a bitter and spent individual. I was trying to keep my hopes high, in the midst of the Great Recession, but I had been out of work since September 2009. I had applied to over 50 companies; I applied for more than one position at many of them. Of all of the possible employers out there, only one called me back this entire time. I went in for an interview, and was told I would hear back from them the next day for their decision. I waited...and waited. The weekend passed, and I called again to inquire about the position. The person that answered the phone told me that they hadn't made their decision yet, but that it should be made soon. One week passed. Two weeks. I called again, asking for the hiring manager. I was told that she wasn't in, and I should try again next week. Another three weeks passed, and I had applied at many, many more places without luck. And I still had heard nothing from the one interview I had done. I was angry. I felt conned. I thought that I should have at least been given the courtesy of a call. And then, it came. The hiring manager called and asked if I would like to come in for a second interview. I went in, and she told me that I would hear back from her the next day. "I've heard that before," I thought. And the next day, she called: she offered me the job. I was floored. I said "Yes!" excitedly, and I was at work the next morning. What a good feeling it is to have a job, to contribute to the economy and to earn money. I'd almost forgotten what it feels like. My confidence has been restored, and many of the problems I have had in the past six months will now fade away because I have a paying job. Now I know what it feels like, just a little, to really struggle. And it has made me a stronger man.