Day 51: On Striking Gold

It may have taken a little longer than expected, but my luck has finally turned 12 days after finding that magical $50 lying in the street.

My new roommate Kashka may be the cleverest functional retard I have ever met. No matter how much he puts his foot in his mouth or how often he seems completely confused by simple tasks, underneath it all he is a genius. Case in point: after being taught poker by Clarke and I last week, and making some of the dumbest bets I’ve ever seen while learning, the three of us went to the casino last Friday night, but he was the only one of us who came out with more money than he entered with. So when he recommended that I go looking for work on Smith Street a few blocks from the apartment, I took his advice.

It was like finding treasure buried in my backyard.

As it turns out, I’m living within walking distance of the factory outlet of every major athletic and outdoor clothing retailer in the greater Melbourne area. Adidas, Nike, Converse, and half a dozen other major clothing retailers now have my resume, and almost all of them told me they were currently hiring in some capacity or another. Not surprising, seeing as how university students are returning to classes tomorrow, but hearing the phrase “why yes, we are hiring” so many times in the same day made my heart sing. For the first time since starting my job search, I saw a business with a help wanted sign, which was truly a sight for sore eyes.

The best part of the whole experience was when I asked Kashka if he knew that so many brand name clothing companies had clearance stores right next to each other. His eyes got all wide with interest and he said “Really? I may have to go there soon.” Priceless.

My first interview is this Thursday morning. Hopefully none of these places care that all the retail experience I told them I had is completely fictional.