Ryan Lum

Struggle

“Success is sweet and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats.” – Amos Bronson Alcott

This quote really speaks to me in my current struggle to find my career job. I feel like I’ve been putting in a good effort to get a job in this recession. Before I graduated I was reminded of how bad the job market was. I was told stories of people trying to find work and I thought to myself, I have many useful skills that would be desirable in any industry. I thought I would have no problem finding work out of college.

I went to study abroad in Paris, France right after I graduated. One of the best decisions of my life. But I have to reflect and wonder if I looked for a job right after graduation, would I have better success in finding work? But when I see this quote I have to think to myself, well, first off I believe everything happens for a reason. Secondly I have to think, well maybe this is better. No one said it would be easy, and if it was easy, would I have much to show?

Let me elaborate on my previous statement as even to me , it doesn’t seem so clear.

When I think of some of the most successful people in the world, they are stories of struggle and hard work. Take for example Philip H. Knight, the founder of Nike. This individual started his company by selling shoes out of his car. I think to myself, nothing is ever really handed to you on a silver platter.

So the search continues with hopes of challenges and stories that I can tell my children later in life to teach them how hard work will eventually pay off.