In 2020, when COVID hit, I had absolutely no idea what was going on in my life. I was still in school, so I had to come home and stay with my family. No one knew how long COVID was going to last, but everyone hoped it wouldn't be long. I had movies to watch, food to eat, and bed to sleep. I was content... Until, one day. I sighed and turned to my sister, "I can't go on like this anymore. I need a job. I need something to do."
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My younger sister's brown eyes laid on me, and I could see her confused brows, but all she said was, "Yes."
So, I started my path to getting a job. I had a mobile phone, so the first thing I did was to go online. I had heard about Upwork and fiverr from a lot of people. I opened accounts on both platforms and didn't stop there. I signed up for almost anything that had to do with writing. Writing had always been something I loved doing since I could hold a pen. It was an escape in its own way.
So, even though I studied civil engineering in school, there was no doubt about what I really wanted to do with my life. After getting on so many websites, I dropped my phone and gently massaged my fingers. I then prayed silently for a miracle. Little did I know that my journey had just begun. A month passed, and I didn't receive any mail saying I got a job. So, I did the thoughtful thing and messaged the jobs instead telling them why I would be a great value to their team. Some of the mail went…
"Hi,
My name is Patricia, and I'm applying for the fiction writing role. I would be a great fit because…"
I used this template for almost all my cover letters at the time. Then, one day, I woke up, switched on my data, and the mail came through.
"We are glad to inform you that you have passed the screening stage, and we would love to interview you physically. Come with your…"
I used the back of my palm to wipe my eyes as if to see properly. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Finally, my joy. My Light. I screamed. My sister rushed to my side.
"Where's the fire?!" She looked at me wide-eyed. I laughed and shoved my phone to her face.
She read aloud. "We are glad to… whoa. Really?" I nodded while my belly bubbled with excitement.
"Congratulations, Pat. I'm so happy for you." My sister went in for a hug. Then, the next thing I knew, she flicked my forehead.
"What was that for?" I rubbed my forehead groaning in slight pain.
"For scaring me." She huffed and walked away.
I didn't dwell on that so much. I was way too happy to let anyone ruin my day.
I read the mail again and again for effect as I stood up to bathe and go for said interview. When I was done bathing and wearing my neatly ironed work trousers and blue shirt, I walked downstairs where my mom was sitting on the couch. I told her the good news, and she stood up to hug me and then bid me farewell. While I was in the car to the interview venue, I couldn't help but let my midnight wander to the time when I had no job and was wasting away doing nothing. It was all about to change and I couldn't wait.
We got to the place a minute later. "Phew," I said silently as I looked at the tall building.
I took the stairs to the last floor because, according to the location, that's what I was supposed to do. The more I climbed, the more I got the feeling that something was off. But, I shrugged off the feeling and continued upstairs. When I got there, I took a deep breath and opened the door. I was in shock for a second. Whoa. There were at least 50 people in the hall. Yes, hall. Not an office. Just a hall with people sitting as if there was a lecture going on.
" What's happening?" I immediately dialed the number in the mail.
"I'm at the venue, and I can't find you…" I trailed off.
The man at the other end of the call said to me. "Just take a seat."
I did. And let me tell you. It was not a job interview. It was a multi-level marketing scheme. After spending the longest hour of my life, I left the location with anger brewing in me. I had just fallen for a scheme. I did feel something off but didn't expect that.
When I got home, I fell in my mother's lap, and she rubbed my back. She didn't need to ask questions to know something was the matter. Later, when I had calmed down a bit, I narrated my story to my family. The thing I applauded myself for was after that event, I learned a lesson, but I didn't stop applying for jobs. I sent out more applications even. But, all I got were rejections. Earlier, I would cry, but later, I just archived when I saw them. In fact, at some point, I expected the rejections.
Then, in September 2020, on a hot afternoon, I got the mail that changed my life. It was a long time coming but was totally worth it. It was a remote content writing job that paid well. I was about to scream when my sister walked in. She looked at me and I didn't have to say anything. She knew. She just knew as she walked over and hugged me.
"You deserve it."
I smiled as a tear dropped from my eye. I instantly remembered the words of my father, "Delay is not denial."