I made a new friend this week. He's a commercial airline pilot and he recounted how he got the job.
He had his first interview.
Then he had a second interview.
Six years later.
While waiting six years for his callback interview, he kept flying. He kept working at another airline, doing what it took to get the experience he needed, always keeping the door open while waiting for another shot at his dream job.
And when he finally got it, he was ready.
Hope has no expiration date, it seems.