Bold Persistence

Having spent so many weeks at home, freelancing and whatnot, I had grown weary of not doing exactly what I wanted to do or at least running a day job. Although I had already been sending in applications to different organizations I found online, there was still no feedback. When you make applications in 100 places, you begin to feel worried that perhaps there's something you're doing wrong. Well, that was me, until I made a different move.

Rather than sit, wait and do nothing, I thought there could be something different I could do. Visit the companies and sell myself by myself, or at least submit hard copies of my documents.

Sadly, some of them wouldn't allow people in without appointments. That was a bummer, but I was persistent. In one, I met one of their staff members while he was grabbing coffee in the lobby. Kind enough to take some time to listen to me, I took that opportunity to sell myself. Somehow, I managed to impress him, and he gave me valuable insights on how to properly make my application. Other than the guidelines, it turned out that I hadn't sent my files to the HR's email address the previous time.

Another time, something very interesting happened. It was a different company. Still no feedback, so I went there myself. I managed to convince the gateman and the receptionist, and just while I was waiting for a chance, I met someone. This man was just sitting next to me. It was just both of us, and I had questions to ask. Then I asked if he worked there; rather, he was a guest. He wasn't an ordinary guest, apparently.

One of the top manufacturers of automation controllers—that's where he was from. He was the chief security officer to the big guys who were already in the building, meeting with the company I originally came to sell myself to. I saw it as an opportunity and told him just why I was there, then asked if he could help me with an opportunity with his company. He agreed and then remarked that he liked what I did—that I made a move and spoke up.

Just when the big guys were back and about to leave, he pitched me to them. That was the opportunity, and I took it. Interestingly, they were glad to meet me. That felt nice, but I made sure to, you know, sell myself. And they took my documents, saying that they'd consider and get back to me soon. Thankfully, I had those extra copies to give to them, and I was glad I came that prepared.

Did I hear from them? Nope. Not yet. But it was totally way better a move to make than just keeping quiet or not even leaving home to make a difference. The job I got happened to come from somewhere rather unexpected—story for another day—but it was thanks to the fact that I kept learning with all the hustle and bustle I went through.