15 cents.

That’s all I had left on my bank account.
After 2 months, 30+ applications and many many peanut butter sandwiches later – I still didn’t have a job.

I couldn’t even commute anymore, the cost of transport to the center was 2€ / ride, and I had no bike to substitute it.
The only option was a 90 minute walk, twice, whenever I went back and forth to look for a job in the city.

There is no reason to lie, I was thinking about giving up.
Hovering the cursor over a “receive loan” button, with the amount of 150€.
Just enough for a one-way ticket back to Hungary.
It was tempting, to be sure;
But then what?
Why go through all the struggle, just to throw in the towel at the first glance of hindrance?

I came here to follow my dreams, not to turn my back on them.

There are people out there who have to go through every single day without seeing, hearing, or being able to move their body; and they still achieve great things.
Who am I to complain amidst of all this luxury?

During these two months, I could fulfill one of my greatest passions for using languages, being able to hone my English and learn a new one, I met with countless incredible guys and gals, experienced a connection I’ve never had before; and seen many of the beauties and wonders the world has to offer.

After looking at Life through a glass of gratitude, no degree of starvation, struggle or pain seemed bad enough to make me quit.

Fortune is fighting against me, and I shall not carry out her commands. I refuse to submit to the yoke; nay rather, I shake off the yoke that is upon me—an act which demands even greater courage.

– Seneca

I was already at the border of wonderland, all I had to do was keep moving.
More applications, more practice with the language and a tremendous amount of faith.
The only thing I would achieve by giving up is a lifetime of regret and shame.

Maybe all I needed was just one more day, and an e-mail or phone call would come by:

Mr Erik,

We are glad to hear you’re interested in filling a position at our company, we would like to set an appointment and have a chat with you, as soon as possible.
On which days are you available?

Met vriendelijke groet¹,
Manager of Whatever

And bamm. That’s all it would take, just one yes.
After that, everything would be okay.
The rule persists: There is always a way, we just have to find it.

Takeaway:
If you ever find yourself in a place of hardship, just look in the mirror and say:
How would my future look like, If I just kept going?
Then imagine what would happen if you chose the opposite.

From then on, you’ll know which road to take.

Take care,
Erik

27.03.2019 – Day 65

[Dutch Dictionary]
Met vriendelijke groet¹ – Sincerely