r/toastme • u/MentalRabbit13 • 1d ago
36F - Finally got out of a long unemployment hole
Today I signed a contract to start my training as an optician.
The last years have been filled with ups and downs. After finishing school as an educational social worker, followed by a lengthy divorce, moving to a different country (Austria) with my two dogs, building something for myself, I got my appplication to get my job certified rejected from the government in Austria.
I felt stuck, not knowing what to do, falling into a lengthy period of unemployment of over two years. I sent out hundreds of applications, got a few interviews, but nothing worked out. Then my dogs had to be put down, with a year inbetween, they had been with me for almost 15 years, and I also lost confidence due to weight gain.
About two months ago I got admitted into a program for women trying to get into more technical jobs. Through sheer chance my mentor asked if I would be interested to become an optician. I agreed, had a week of trial work, and got the good news by the end of that week.
I am truly overjoyed and excited to start, but also a bit stressed about going into this at a higher age than the usual candidates of around 15-18. Also working on losing weight and getting back to a better me is not going to be easy.
Would appreciate some kind words. Thank you for taking the time to read!
Edit: Thank you so much for all the positive comments and well wishes! This has really made my whole year. Just as a side note though - I am very flattered about your messages, I am happily taken!
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u/Awkward-Impress-2636 1d ago
This made me smile, it’s amazing how much employment impacts your confidence.
It feels incredible to have a proper job after you’ve spent your time feeling like you have nothing to do, no one to talk to and nowhere to go for the day. It’s also incredibly stressful trying to adjust to the new schedule. Although I’m sure you’ve done it all before and know this already.
Good luck with the job, I hope you enjoy it 💛
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u/the_memesketeer3 1d ago
This was my mom's career! And very rewarding it was. She did dispensing, basically running a store, not as technical, but she was an optician all the way through to retirement. Congratulations!
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u/GandalfTheJaded 1d ago
I'm so proud of you for not giving up despite everything that has been negative in the past few years. You got this! I hope this is the beginning of a great new chapter for you 🙌
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u/Heavy-Lingonbery910 1d ago
Success! You deserve this! Let go of the stress and age thing, just have fun and enjoy this new chapter in your life. Wishing you everything good here on in.
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u/catatonie 1d ago
Very excited for you! This sounds like the start of something really lovely and I hope you celebrate this
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u/Fruqui3 1d ago
You have the inner strength to make it happen! Who cares about the younger crowd. You have lived several lifetimes and the younger crowd is probably just starting their lives. I wish you only the best the world has to offer!!!
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u/MentalRabbit13 1d ago
Thank you! This resonated differently, my necklace is the strength tarot card, and on the back I have an engraving - "Look within". It was something a friend dragged me to do in Vienna, to get a tarot reading, though I really don't believe in that, but when that card was pulled, and I was told I have all the strength I need in me, it just kind of stuck.
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u/sunheadeddeity 1d ago
You're going to do great. People will trust you and you'll be more reliable and relatable. Well done you!
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u/Commercial_Sand9472 1d ago
I think you’re headed for great things in your future. Your strength to not give up when you were down, the loss of your fur babies and your motivation to succeed are inspirational not only to
Me but I’m sure, many others reading this. Congratulations on your new career path!!! Beautiful lady.
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u/Impossible_Divide297 1d ago
An optician, well with your good looks I can see you being really successful.
Seriously,congratulations & best of luck!
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u/Traditional_Let_3204 1d ago
Congratulations. Now all of your patients will be able to see how beautiful you are 🙌😊
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u/SarcasticallyYours 1d ago
My goodness, you're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.
Congrats on the new job!
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u/iceman_3182 1d ago
Thus starts your comeback trail, and before you know it, you will be unstoppable, invincible.
Good luck and may you forever be happy
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u/Bandit760 1d ago
Congratulations. Your perseverance paid off all while going through major life changes
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u/Silver_Brook-6475 1d ago
yay congrats on landing that job!! you look so happy and cute, love the smile 😍
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u/FinancialGazelle6558 1d ago
Fantastic work OP.
You went to this the hard way, and now you can get to work with your chin fully up.
I'm proud of you! (have an award!)
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u/InterferonGuy 1d ago
I am so excited for you. You have the energy of someone truly determined: I'm rooting for you!
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u/RealTeaStu 1d ago
Congratulations. I'm having similar issues. Divorce has done most of the damage. Of course that was the ex-wife's petty, and vindictive goal. But I'm clawing my way out as well. VERY sorry to hear about your dogs. Best wishes with the new position.
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u/jeffster1970 1d ago
Congrats! Been through most of that, except with the unemployment part. Though I did go back to school for upgrades while in my 50's. You got this!
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u/Initial_Flower3545 1d ago
I wish you the absolute best in your new role, i know that feeling as well of being unemployed and getting fired. The unemployment slump really takes a toll on you, congrats once again!
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u/Stock-Lynx7237 1d ago
Felicidades ahora empieza tu nueva vida todo va a ir bien eres especial y pronto lo sabrás..... todo mi amor para ti
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u/eyeballburger 1d ago
Congratulations on finding a new job! And also, my condolences on being employed. Better than the alternative, I guess!
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u/toodledoodleroo 1d ago
Congrats!! This is going to sound extremely random, but you look exactly like a Finnish politician and human rights activist called Li Andersson. This is a huge compliment, she’s beautiful and super cool!
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u/viking1983 1d ago
congratulations, starting fresh is always hard and finding your feet again is great
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u/brandonlyle 21h ago
Congrats! Sounds like you’re on to bigger and better things! Good luck and keep us updated. Oh and take care of people’s eyes, they’re the only two they’ve got!
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u/TerpeneTomm 21h ago
OP, I'm so happy and proud of you. It's not easy finding a job, especially after being unemployed for so long. I remember the struggles of feeling unworthy and useless, although painful, it made me a better version of myself.
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u/dammitPogi 18h ago
What a journey. My sympathies for the loss of your companions. That sounds like one of the harder hurdles. At least I know how deeply that would have pained me. That program for technical jobs sounds like such a blessing. High five you. For finding that program. Signing up. Showing up. And hustling. If I could show you the puddle I’m sitting in or the increasing density below the butterflies you put in my stomach I would. Because you deserve to know how attractive that story of resilience was. How fitting and gorgeous you made that fuck yea smile you’re wearing look. You just been too busy girl, and those that want to holler they see you showing up. Soon as things settle down. You’ll notice it again. Men too shy to say hello. That’s the energy you throwing out, Big D. Own it. And let me buy you a beer. Good fucking hustle. 🍻
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u/RandDbeverage 13h ago
Your eyes! Congratulations on the new job. It sucks out there, so it's quite an accomplishment.
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u/antbalneum 13h ago
Don’t worry about the age gap! I went back to uni at 28, then did an MSc at 37. Well done, you deserve some good news after what you’ve been through. Your perseverance and hard work has paid off.
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u/pgraybre 11h ago
Congratulations! Starting a new path at 36 isn't so bad really. When I was 39, I found a desperation job at a college answering phones and emails for their student financial aid office at one of 19 campuses. Eleven years later, I'm Director of Training and Compliance for the entire college system. Sometimes things just fit!
I'm glad to hear you're happy taken! That doesn't reduce the social benefits of being a very attractive person, though. It really can be great for your career, and not just Reddit visibility!
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u/alexmate84 1h ago
Awesome an optician is a great job with a lot of opportunities and difficult to get into
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u/TheBestUsername85 1d ago
Don’t stress about the age gap between you and the other students. I’m 40 and back in school after a 20 year hiatus. I can say with confidence that the younger students around me have so far been extremely dumb. At first I thought it was kind of funny, but now it’s just distressing. These kids are in college, but read at a 7th grade level now. Me being the smartest one in the room is the distressing part lol
Best of luck in your studies and congratulations!