The tunnel opens and I finally walk through to the light

1,007 days.

That’s how long it’s been since the fateful day when my position was cut at the newspaper. That’s how long of a journey I’ve been through in search of a full-time, career-oriented job.

Unemployment.

Hundreds of applications.

Many interviews that ended with nothing.

Do you know how long 1,007 days is? No? Allow me to share.

Two years, nine months, three days.

During that time, I’ve watched friends start and/or add family members. I’ve seen people move on from job to job. I’ve watched a national election closer than I have ever done so before. I’ve started a niche blog on disc golf, I’ve grown my personal blog and I’ve been through thick and thin. I’ve revamped my resume more times than I care to think about and I’ve written so many cover letters, I could wallpaper a room.

All that time, I’ve done everything I can to keep an upbeat attitude. Something had to happen, right? Something good. I couldn’t have messed with karma that bad, could I?

1,007 days. You know what that’s equal to? 24,168 hours.

If you worked that many hours at $7.50 per hour, you would have $181, 260. I don’t have that. It’s unfortunate, but it’s OK. In fact, I’ve dwindled my savings and any bit of a retirement I had down to nearly nothing.

But at least I had it to draw from. Heaven only knows where I’d be without it!

As I’ve been searching through all this time, I’ve kept it all in perspective, several times here on the blog. I had a roof over my head, friends and family who supported me and the ability to still eat. I had enough of a savings to keep me afloat, pay my bills and survive. I’ve also found enough work — albeit temporary — to keep some income coming in at times I needed it most.

Still, when you think about it — 1,450,080 minutes is a long time! That’s 87,004,800 seconds! Think about that one for a while.

I still remember Feb. 11, 2011 like it was yesterday. So it makes it a little easier to move along. I left with no bridges burned and was professional in every way possible. If you want to look back at my thoughts about it, click here for the post I did at that time.

Now starts a new — and exciting — chapter in my life.

When I first saw this position advertised, it caught my eye. Being it was in the educational field, my brother (a teacher) forwarded it to me as well. I looked at it closer and as I looked at each skill or requirement, I said (probably out loud) “Me, me, me etc.”

To say the least, I was excited.

Then, things moved quickly. I mailed my application in and it arrived a day or so before the deadline. Two days later, I was contacted for an interview. Five days later, I had the interview.

At no point during the past three years have I ever felt so comfortable and confident during and leaving an interview. I thought my answers were honest and to the point. There were follow-up questions, which excited me. I walked out thinking there wasn’t much else I could do. I felt like it was a natural fit. In fact, I sat in my car shortly after the interview and wondered to myself if this long stretch was there for a reason. Maybe this job was meant for me?

I left with cautious optimism.

The following day, I was offered the position. It didn’t take me too long to accept, that’s for sure.

I don’t know how all of you are, but I’ve always been a believer in things happening for a reason. Whether it was my position being cut or the nearly three years of doing this or that, it all leads to some sort of an ending.

And, truthfully, things don’t always end happily.

At times, I wondered if I would be one of those people. Find a job, just to get by and then watch the years pass by. So many good jobs have passed me by. I wondered if I wasn’t meant for this field, or if I was just not somebody who was going to find that “career” position. I even considered going back to barber school (which, to be honest, I might have done if I thought financially it made sense).

All the while, I tried to stay upbeat. I watched as friends and family were successful. I supported everybody I in any way I could. I even sent out applications for work I probably was “too overqualified” for (those aren’t my words — it’s what I’ve been told more than once. I don’t think anybody is overqualified for a job. If I apply for it, there’s a reason I want it so don’t always look at the education/experience and think I won’t accept it).

Then, this job appeared — almost like a “guardian want ad.”

It’s funny how things work out. I just had this feeling. A really good one. I did something I don’t normally do — I told people I applied. I said I had an interview. I showed excitement. I let my guard down some. I allowed people to wish me luck. Usually, I’m guarded and try not to get things like that.

Maybe karma finally helped me out. Or so many positive vibes helped. I don’t know what it was, but it worked.

Basically, I was on the big table at the World Series of Poker. I had a pair of Jacks and hoped nobody else could beat it. So, I went all in. And, now, I have something to show for it.

I couldn’t be more excited and can’t wait to dive in.

To readers and those who have been along on this journey with me, thank you for everything. No matter if it was a simple comment, a pat on the back or just a smile, it all helped — more than I can ever say. Thank you a million times over.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!