If nothing, I will have great story to tell

When I was a teenager, I was desperate to go out into the world and earn my first big buck. Coming from the ex soviet block, at that time that wasn’t a lot to me. I come from a middle class family where both parents work hard to feed us and provide us with decent education. I have never had pocket money, nor a rich uncle or grandma. Don’t get me wrong, there was always food on a table and house almost always warm during winter cold days. As my 18th birthday were approaching, I knew that in order to earn, I must get out. Go abroad and earn. Experience adventure. There were only handful of skills I could do and no resume I can build my offering. Basically I could coach tennis and teach basic computer programming. Things I have both loved. 

I was dedicated. Almost everyday since November till May I was searching for job offers. As the months were coming by, and literally hundreds email has been sent, I have received only handful of replies. By handful I mean two. I knew that I most likely want to go to England and as time was ticking, I had to decide to buy the travel tickets otherwise they would become too expensive. I was left with no job offers yet and pressure to buy tickets early. At one point I have decided, screw it, what is the worst thing that can happen? I will go and I will return. I bought those tickets in April. As weeks were coming by, my arrival by the late May was coming when suddenly, out of nowhere I got a reply: “JK, we are looking for tennis coach who can also teach some computer lessons in our Summer English International school. We are interested in your profile”. I was astonished. For the first time in my life I felt, how dedication and hard work made things work eventually. I replied and I have spent next 6 summers going to England doing exactly that while studying my University. This was one of the most important lessons of my early life. And even if it would not work, I would have a great story to tell.