Today I got an unexpected boost, a care package during my job search. It came from my brother, who knows how much time I spend looking for the right role. Some days it’s 8–10 hours of searching postings, talking with recruiters, and trying to get noticed. He’s even connected me with his own contacts and shared leads. He also knows how discouraged I get when progress feels slow.
So, when I opened the door and found two big boxes on the porch, it was the highlight of my week.
The first box held pure nostalgia: Backer’s Potato Chips. You can’t get them in New York, but back home they’re a staple. My brother seems determined to keep us stocked. I still had one unopened bag from his last shipment. It was guarded it so carefully that I warned the kids not to touch it. I thought it would be my last taste, but now I can finally open it with confidence.
The second box was filled with electronics: LED strip lighting and odd parts. To most people, that looks like random wires. For me—an electronic engineering graduate—it was a gold mine. I’ve built circuit boards and computer systems before, and seeing new parts waiting for me feels like motivation. It’s a little reward I can enjoy once I land a job.
For now, I’ll keep working hard on applications and networking. But when I take a break, I know I can grab a bag of chips, watch Star Trek with my oldest son, and feel grateful. This care package during my job search was more than just snacks and parts. It was a reminder that I’m not alone in this process—and that small comforts can fuel big determination.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdoerhoff/
My Resume: https://tectuma.com/Kenneth_Doerhoff_Resume.pdf
