To ask for your stories of achieving against the odds

[Hopelessromantic1988]

I've been in a job I hate for years. I'm qualified in a specific profession but have failed to get a job in my field for three years now.

Next week I have a job interview for one of 6 positions in a team I would absolutely love to work in. I know I have the skills and experience necessary to get the job. I just need to fight for one of the positions.

But I'm feeling negatively now and like I've not got what it takes.

Anyone got any stories from their one life where they failed but succeeded in the end?

[Wheretheresawill1]

Diagnosed bipolar 2000. Kicked out of medical school 2005. Large amounts of debt from the 5 yr course so was made bankrupt. Quite socially isolated by the illness and lost a lot of 'friends'. Did another vocational degree; got a Msc. Got a good job now. On 45k which as a single person is perfectly adequate. Own home. Healthy. Lots of friends and supportive family

[Chocmudpie]

Be positive! My dream job I've been working towards for 5 years came up just as i was about to go on mat leave. I knew i was right for it, more than qualified, well liked etc etc but i still thought "they'll never give me the job because I'm going on mat leave" got the job! More mat leave pay and means we can move from our flat to a dream house Asap for our DC when she is here. Life changing stuff for me, just believe in yourself as cringy as it sounds!!

[Hopelessromantic1988]

Ah those were lovely. Thank you. I just need the belief in myself and I know I will be able to do it.

[limon]

Started work in 1988 as a secretary earning £6,000 per annum. I had one Alevel, four O levels and a secretarial diploma. I've worked my way up and am now the chief exec of an organisation earning £65k.

[UppityHumpty]

Kicked out by alcoholic parents at 16 just before my last GCSE with 3 siblings. Got any job to support them, took my A Levels but forwent uni, ensured siblings were supported at significant personal cost. Fast forward 20 years I'm now in a senior position earning six figures, have a great job, lovely kids, and an amazing dh.

[CookieDoughKid]

Arrived as a refugee with parents speaking no English. Lived in the hoods in London going to a school where only 2 people got 5 GCSEs and where I was severely bullied for being clever to the point where she the bully her name is forever imprinted in my mind, once whipped the back of my head with a hockey stick where she and her friends waited outside the school for me. The school I was in was so violent and got closed down twice. Comprehensive education totally failed me.

Now earning 6 figures w
After going to Univarsity. And I own several properties and at the top of my career with 2 beautiful children.

I completely did that on my own top prove to myself I could. Relentless determination and complete relief when I got to University where people actually gave a fuck about their education.

In my opinion. There are at children that should not go to mainstream school as they lash out on those nearest to them because they don't want to be there. And because they feel they can get away with it. I thank them from the bottom of my heart though.

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

I know this isn't the point, but as a seemingly unemployable former teacher who can't find an alternative, can you hint at what sectors you're I please? I'm damn sure I have transferable skills.

[monkeysox]

Jennifer were you primary or secondary and what subjects? We could help with ideas x

[user1487175389]

I also need this. I feel like I've failed at everything. Now considering self employment as a last ditch attempt to make something of myself. Everyone says 'just be positive' 'just be yourself' - well i did that - they saw who I was and my positivity and confidence and they firmly rejected it. To quote Rory Gilmore, 'they can smell me. - They can smell failure'. Sorry OP. Don't mean to bring your thread down.

[AmberNectarine]

I failed my driving test FIVE times. Have been driving nearly four years now and have an unblemished record.

[LTBiscuit]

I failed my driving test 7 times!!! Unblemished record too, with 14 years of driving under my belt. I just got very nervous in my tests!!

[ParmaViolets17]

Abusive childhood, severe chronic depression and anxiety (suicidal at 12 until mid-30s).

I worked unbelievably hard for years, and a few months ago I achieved a career ambition I've had since I was ten years old. I've never felt good about anything I've done, but I could not be prouder of myself now.

(It still feels a bit weird to write that! )

Good luck

[DefinitelyOdd]

From the ages of 15 to 25 I lived through a severe depression that affected my ability to achieve me goals. As such this then became a vicious cycle which caused the depression to last longer. Over the past two years I have worked tirelessly to buy my own house, change career and also begin driving again (which is one of the things that made me feel like a 'pretend' adult - not that everyone needs to drive).

So now, I earn double what i previously did, I own my home and am studyong for my masters degree in a subject that will allow me to progress to an even higher wage over time. I did this on my own, without family support and feel extremely positive about the future.

[DefinitelyOdd]

Although apparently this had no effect on my spelling ability. Sorry for the typos....

Good luck op

[rainbowbreeze123]

I failed my driving test NINE times.. been driving approx 12 years now no incidents

Still waiting for my against all odds story of having a child though.. one day !

[Viewofhedges]

This time last year I was just about to make a career change because my industry of 15 years (and I was self employed) was about to be well and truly Brexited. Took a deep breath, applied, and got a new job. Worked incredibly hard for a year, living away from home to do it. Have just got another job - huge step up in every respect. In 12 months I've gone from 'shit, my career is failing, I'm failing, this is horrible' to 'shit, I've got a terrifyingly brilliant new job, I'm going to take a huge qualification and a really fantastic employer actually believes I can do it.' Still can't quite believe this has happened to me.

By the way I only had the interview 4 weeks ago. I thought it was a long shot. I was myself in the interview - and apparently it was 'myself' that they were looking for. You never know - you might be there absolutely perfect fit. GOOD LUCK.