JiK’iJOURNAL

Self Care

Plot Twist: Life’s Always Got A Backup Plan

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One thing about life, I never know what's around the next corner. Even when I think I have no more luck left, boom, another door opens.


Last week had me fighting for my life, Mntase. I missed a huge interview for an admin position at a dope company. Why? I got into a taxi accident on the way there. Don't worry, it was a smallanyana fender bender, but it caused big problems for me that day. Or so I thought.


I’ve been out of Matric for about 8 months, right? Sheesh, and the job market has been impossible. I’ve been applying and applying and coming up empty. My friends were telling me about how they got interviews at great companies, but everyone wants you to do ten rounds of interviews and a bunch of tests just to say you have been unsuccessful. That got me pretty scared, TBH. It’s not like I have money for endless up and down to town for a ‘maybe’. Anyway, I finally got my interview phone call. They wanted to see me.


I was so excited. I prepped my best corporate baddie outfit - the black pants and shirt I used to wear at my waitress gigs with a local caterer- and I got my hair done and whatnot. The next day, taxi fare to the exact amount in my pocket I jump into the quantum. Heh, not even ten minutes on the road, and we are over the pavement and into a barrier. I immediately knew there was no way I was going to be on time. We were on a main road and law enforcement first wanted to talk to us about what happened—opportunity gone. Just like that!


I was feeling down bad. Called my mom and cried a little. I got into a taxi back home, and who do I get? My friend KB on his way home from the nightshift. We get to yapping about how adulting is not make sure. Really cheered me up. He then says his boss needs an admin assistant who is available immediately and that I must send him my CV. Thursday, we had a quick interview call, and today they told me to come in for training on Monday. What!? And it pays a bit more than the job I was on my way to interview for.


Yhu, is life is wild. A bad day isn't a bad life, actually. Just when you think you've missed out, the universe spins you a plot twist. That day in the taxi, I was convinced my shot was gone. The disappointment, the frustration—it all hit hard. But like my mom always says, "What's meant for you will find you." Now I know what she means. I didn't get that interview, but what did I get instead? A better job, that pays more, and one I didn’t even have to hustle for. Missing that first chance opened up an even bigger one.


Looking back, it feels like life is teaching me patience—reminding me that no matter how much I try to plan things, sometimes I've just got to trust the process. Maybe all the frustration, the missed interviews, and the endless rejections were just stepping stones to this moment. It’s like my friend KB showing up when he did. I didn't even ask for help, but it came when I needed it most.


I guess what’s for me, will always be for me.

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