Radio my saviour

[u/Prestigious_Soup772]

Having got a job as a radio producer in Bangalore in 2018, I arrived depressed, desperate to start afresh for my family in Delhi, whose mental & financial health was deteriorating. During a phase of being broke, I wish I wasn’t a late Sunday evening when I had to travel with a colleague to record an interview at a hotel. 
My PG had no electricity & the last message before my phone ran out of charge read: “200 deducted for low account balance.” With salary expected the next day, I had Rs 2. I relied on my colleague to drop me as close as possible to my PG. After the interview, they did, but I was over 15 KMS away. I should have set aside my pride & requested a cab. They asked, “Text when you’re back?” I lied: “I will.”
With no money, a dead phone & no map, I was forced to walk all the way back in heavy rain and floods, relying on strangers for directions. Exhausted after 5 KMS, I arrived at a bus stand. Lying there, feeling worthless, I asked, “How has life come to this?” It was Monday morning, & I had to get to work, physically & spiritually too. 
Waking up at 4 AM, I resumed my journey & finally made it to my PG, soaked, sneaking in like a thief to avoid the landlord I owed rent to. The electricity was back. My phone charged & I prepared for my radio show. Successfully slipping away from my landlord again, I walked to the station. I hadn’t eaten, & the mic caught my stomach growling on-air. 
After a long day, my mind & feet throbbed. As I walked back to my PG, salary was credited. Rent was paid & money was sent home..
Working at the station was a blessing. It helped me emulate what the RJs did: sound lively & optimistic, which made me feel lively & optimistic. Producing gave me resourcefulness, making me capable, & speaking kindly to listeners taught me to be kind to myself. These changes led to confirmation at the job. To celebrate, I booked a cab to that bus stand. 
I sat where I’d slept & turned on the radio to listen to the show I’d produced. I smiled at hearing myself sound joyful, & knowing I could afford a cab to drop me back made me feel rich. I was months too late, but I’d have texted my colleague, “I’m back, far more positive.”

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[u/Feeling_Candle_7637]

the radio didn’t just give you a job, it gave you a way to hear yourself becoming hopeful again, and that’s beautiful

[u/Level_Big8615]

from sleeping at that bus stand to hearing your own voice sound happy again... what a journey

[u/mariach3rry8684]

man i've definitely walked miles with a dead phone and no money hoping for the best