Before the start of my professional career, I changed oil at a gas station, worked as a dishwasher in a French restaurant and a line cook at McDonald’s, took the graveyard shift as a busboy in a coffee shop, and spent time as a shoe salesmen in the men’s department at Macy’s. I worked to pay for my education and support my family. All the while, I believed there was a different future for me with more financial freedom and professional success. Although it was tough for many years, eventually my perseverance, dedication, and hard work paid off. I spent three decades growing a successful career in tech, and now I want to share what I learned along the way to help others who also see a different future for themselves.
A Disappointing Start
Six months before I graduated from San Jose State University back in 1980, I interviewed with a major company in Silicon Valley. They told me they wanted to start as soon as I officially graduated. I was thrilled and relieved. Even though they didn’t officially extend an offer in writing, they kept in touch and encouraged me to reach out after I completed my degree.
Since I was sure I had the job, I stopped my job search. When I finished school, I contacted my future employer, but to my surprise the company had filed for bankruptcy. They laying off everyone and closing offices everywhere. It was incredibly disappointing news, and I had no choice but to start looking for another job. Meanwhile, the economy was in poor shape with high unemployment numbers and a high interest rate.
While I searched for a permanent job in my field of study, I worked two jobs: I was a sales associate for a retailer in San Francisco during the day, and at nights and on weekends, I waited tables in San Jose. Thanks to significant student loans and credit card debt with a 24% interest rate—which I’d used to help fund my education expenses—I was struggling financially. My two jobs barely covered rent, food, and car insurance.
Needless to say, it was a tough time. I kept my hope alive waiting for a moment when a door would finally open. During that time, I tolerated a lot of inconveniences. I didn’t buy anything other than food, rent, and gas, I didn’t go out to eat or see a movie for two years, and I didn’t buy any new clothing including socks. I walked around the neighborhood for fun when I had any free time.
I continued to interview with a few companies but competition was fierce; there were more qualified candidates out there looking for work. Plus, I was still working on perfecting my English. The U.S. and Iran were at extreme odds by then, and having a Middle Eastern accent wasn’t exactly working to my benefit.
Rejection and Discrimination
Due to my accent and status as an immigrant from Iran, I knew I was treated differently when I interviewed. The hiring manager at one major Silicon Valley company heard my voice and dismissed me as a candidate outright. According to him, his mid-Western clients wouldn’t appreciate a person such as me working for them. I was offended by his comments and told him how hard I’d worked to graduate and that I was certain I could perform the job well, but he wouldn’t budge.
Later, I landed a second interview with a smaller company. Again, the hiring manager complained about my accent. After ten minutes, he stopped the interview.
In spite of all of these negative interviews, I kept telling myself that eventually I’d get the opportunity I knew I deserved. I stayed firm in my belief of a better future.
Finally, A Foot in the Door
When a friend mentioned that I could get a short, contracting position at Apple, I took the chance. I gave up my day job as a salesperson, kept the night job at the restaurant, and started to work at Apple as a contractor for minimum wage. I worked hard for 12 months, and when my contract was nearing its expiration, a permanent job opened up on my team. It seemed I was a shoe-in, but out of the blue, another candidate with a master’s degree from a well-known school applied for the job and everyone voted to hire her instead of me.
Another rejection, but this time from a team that I had worked with for a year. It was a tough and painful blow.
With only one week left in my contract, I did everything I could to find a permanent job at Apple. I managed to secure three interviews with three different teams. Like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the first interview was terrible; the second interview was no good; but the third one worked. I was hired in a Tech Support position for Claris, a subsidiary of Apple. I’d made it! This was the start of my career in Silicon Valley that would eventually span more than three decades.
Throughout my job search journey, I learned it’s critical to be consistent, have a plan of action, and always think past anything that gets in your way. I wish I’d had a mentor or coach to help me think through some of my challenges. Now I’m ready to be that person for others who like me have a dream they’ve been working tirelessly to achieve.
Landing your first job out of college, finding a new job, or growing your small business can be daunting tasks.
Most people know what they need to do to find a new job, like update their resumes, connect with contacts, search popular job websites, etc. For a small business owner, the task of getting new clients is focused on referrals, online content and SEO, building a solid social network, running direct marketing, and more. In both cases, it’s a lot of work that requires dedication and drive. Oftentimes, the desire is there, but motivation is lacking. Having someone by your side, on your team, and determined to help you achieve your goal might make all the difference.
I’ve faced plenty of adversity and rejection; I know what it feels like when everything’s working against you. But if can I make it, then so can you.