3 months ago i had two job interviews, one for a graduate position as a trainee electricity network designer, and another as a test technician for a company that produces fiber optic components. I really wanted the graduate job.
I had the the interviews (both went quite well) and waited, the next week i got an email from the fiber optics company offering me the job, but still hadnt heard from the other. Waited a day to reply to see if i heard from the graduate one. I heard nothing so decided to give them a call. Fortunately she was able to tell me over the phone that i hadnt got it and it had been offered to someone else, however, she did say that it was very close between me and the guy that got it, that they had to split hairs. She asked if she could keep my details for a year and that if anyting else came she would be in touch. I said thanks very much and hope to hear from, knowing full well that i would probably not hear from them ever again (as anyone knows who ever looked properly for jobs).
Anyway, started my new job testing optical amplifiers, modulators and lasers, doing quality inspections etc etc.... All going well, i thought i think i can see myself here working my way up, the people are nice, its decent hours (i was working nights before hand) and its hands on.
3 months down the line i go on holiday to spain, get back a few weeks ago, first thing i do when i get back, switch my phone on and check my emails and any messages. I had one email from the company that turned me down, asking me if i want to re-apply
So i give them a call the next day to find i dont need to be reinterviewed and that i simply need to meet the engineering manager for a quick chat.Went and met him, had a short talk about the job and what ive been upto over the last three months. He then went on to say, 'i wont prolong this for any longer, ive seen your interview notes from before and now weve had a small chat, i can see the original interview was quite acurate in which case id like to make you an offer on the job'.
Inside im just jumping for joy, thinking this cannot be happening, but it is!
I finished uni two years ago, ive moved from kent to ipswich, had three jobs, two if which were the shittiest jobs ive ever had, lived with a gay couple for a year, moved into a house with my girlfriend, 5 interviews and now its finally happened. the reason this job is so good, is that its a trainee position, so i work my way up, but i also get sponsored to become an incorporated engineer which means after 9 years of education, and a further 5 or 6 years building up a portfolio, i finally get to reach one of my life time goals of becoming an bonafide engineer.
Past few days i have been reflecting on what ive achieved, and despite a recession ive managed 3 jobs, being paid toad money and still making things work that i need to and buying a new bike, putting up with some of the most handicaped dipshits till i find somewhere else and most of all feeling like its never gonna happen. So a lesson to some of you younger forum members, keep at it. You will get there!
