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?

At times I wondered where I would end up and things like this kept me grounded. Now, it’s like I am staring at this non-stop, which is a good thing.
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!
Congrats, PJ! Wishing you all the best on the next stretch of your long and winding road.
Mrs GeoK recently posted..Remembering and Reflecting
Fingers crossed you get the whole pot!
Kate recently posted..Making friends as an adult isn’t easy
Congrats! Best of luck on your new job!
Jessica @ Living La Vida Holoka recently posted..Link Love
Oh hon. Your post made me cry. I’ve been following your struggle and to finally have success and it feels right!
While I have been employed, I have been applying for jobs for FIVE years now. Of course, I could have taken anything to get out of the situation I am in, I didn’t want to settle for just anything.
Yesterday I interviewed for a job I am hoping I will land. Here’s to having the planets align …
Tami Von Zalez recently posted..Mad for plaid
Such fantastic news, I wish it hadn’t taken so long though!
Sarah recently posted..Artful Readers Club September – Just My Type by Simon Garfield
This is amazing! So happy for you. Congrats and good luck with the new job!
Phil recently posted..Do they really think we are that stupid? Really?
Congrats, PJ. I have been there, and I know the feeling. I was fortunate in many regards, of course, but that makes it no easier.
I hope that your good luck in some way portends the same for me. While not out of work, I am seeking something new (for a host of reasons I can’t get into in a public forum), and I hope that something comes quickly.
Again, congrats! Very happy for you.
Congratulations on the job. I’ve been where you were a few times in my career. It humbles you don’t you think? I look forward to reading more.BB
Bouncin Barb recently posted..Things That Irk Me Friday…I Just Can’t Win
Let me tell you what I was told was the best part of your interview, you were excited to be there. Phil knew you wanted the job for more reasons than just the pay check. You earned it, you deserved it, and you got it! I say good luck, but you don’t need it.
A lesser person would have broken, but you didn’t. So now you go BOCES! You will get the joke soon.
Congratulations PJ. What kind of educational position will this be?
Paul Myers recently posted..Oops
I agree whole hearted with you, things happen for a reason. I’m sorry it took so long but you are “ready” and being your true self during the interview will make your career there much smoother. We are so proud of you!
Whoa PJ! That’s a long time. Glad you will be starting a new chapter. Best of luck!
Tara Newman recently posted..Five Things Friday
Hi PJ. Stopping by from the NE BlogHop. Your writing really pulled me and moved me. First off, congrats on this new journey you are about to begin! I am a firm believer that things do happen for a reason, and that there is, in fact, a reason for all that madness we endure. For difference reasons, the past two years my life has been many struggles, while I get to sit back and watch friends, colleagues, family, etc, move on with their lives. It’s hard, because obviously you are happy for them, but can’t help but wonder why things don’t come as easily for you. I wish you nothing but the best!
-MJ
MarlaJan recently posted..When you’re twins, the magic just never ends…
This post makes me very happy. A companion piece to that heartbreaking one after you were laid off, but with three years separating them. Wow.
Were you collecting unemployment for some of the time? I hope so.
Gunmetal Geisha recently posted..From Hot to Antarctica, A Perspective on Age