A Successful Failure

It rarely rains in Southern California.  In extreme cases, it pours.

About two weeks ago, I got a call back for a job interview doing internet marketing.  Excited, I adorned myself in my best business attire.

As I walk to my car, it’s sprinkling outside.  Nothing too drastic.  The interview’s about a 20 minute drive from my house.  As I merge onto the freeway, it starts to rain harder.

Because it rarely ever rains in Southern California, when it does no one knows how to drive in it!  I tightly grip the steering wheel.  Terrified my car’s going to hydroplane, I drive drastically below the speed limit.  Cars rush past me.

The further I drive, the harder it starts to pour.  I can barely even see out my window, and have classical music blasting on the radio to calm my nerves.  Then to my dismay, traffic slows.  Up ahead I see a police car swerving across lanes with sirens blaring.

“They better not be shutting down the freeway!” I thought to myself.  My interview was in 15 minutes, and I wasn’t even halfway there yet!

They shut down the freeway.  I couldn’t see the accident, but it must have been pretty bad.  Probably one of the idiots driving 80mph in zero visibility.

Stuck on the freeway, I call the office to let them know about the predicament I’m in.  I call five times, but keep getting directed to voicemail.  I leave 3 messages, but keep trying to get through.

I never get through to the office.  I sit for an hour on the freeway.  It’s still pouring outside.

After an hour passes, the freeway reopens.  I cautiously drive to the office.

Arriving at the office, I park on the wrong side of the building.  I had no idea the entrance was on the other side.  I grab my umbrella, resume, and cover letter.  It’s still pouring rain and the wind is howling.  As I quickly race to the door, my umbrella blows inside out.  As I fight with my umbrella, I manage to soak myself.  In an instant my experience and achievements on my resume are destroyed by the relentless rain.

Arriving at the office, I reach for the door.  It’s locked.  There’s a note taped to it.

“Sorry we missed you,” it reads.  “I have another meeting scheduled I had to run to.  I’ll call you to reschedule sometime later this week.”

They never rescheduled.  Charles Shaw to the rescue.

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