When Matt nearly quit

At 18, Matt* had already been through more than most. His parents didn’t get along, and things at home hadn’t been good.

Eventually, he had to leave, but he was determined to finish high school — and he did!

Now, six months into living on his own in a tiny flat with mismatched plates, a dodgy heater, and a fridge that always seemed half-empty, he was proud of making it on his own. 

Money was tight, but Matt was working a casual job and hoping to find something more secure. Landing a permanent role felt like the last piece of the puzzle. When he got an interview at a place he really liked, he gave it everything — ironing his shirt, rehearsing his answers, and shaving.

Afterwards, he rang his youth coach, Tom*, and said, “I reckon I smashed it.”

Two days later, the email came: We’ve decided to go with another applicant.

The words blurred.

He lay on his bed, staring at the peeling paint, his mind spiralling. 

Maybe I’m just not good enough…

What’s the point?

That’s when Tom called. “Thought I’d check in,” he said. Ten minutes later, he was at Matt’s door with two flat whites.

"I didn’t get the first three jobs I went for either. It’s not about you not being good enough. It just means the right one’s still out there.” Tom shared. 

It wasn’t a magic fix, but hearing those words from someone who’d been there made the heaviness lift a little.

The next day, Matt sent two more applications. By Friday, he had another interview lined up!