Since childhood, radios have always fascinated me, particularly AM and SW radio. Arriving in Athens, Greece, in the mid-90s as a young teenager, I found myself without a radio, a necessity I sorely missed. However, at 14 and without a job, I wasn’t inclined to ask my family for money to purchase one, considering it non-essential to them. So, I took it upon myself to save up and buy my favorite radio: a SONY SW Receiver. Yet, it carried a hefty price tag of close to $100, a fortune back then. With a year to go before finding my first job in Athens, I needed a new approach to acquire the funds.
During that time, before the advent of cellphones in Greece and Europe, calling cards were ubiquitous, even for local calls. These cards, with preloaded money for a specific duration of usage, were not only convenient but also held appeal due to their unique themes or images representing various cities, places, teams, or personalities. Naturally, a market for collectors emerged, ready to buy and sell these cards once their minutes were exhausted.
I began noticing discarded calling cards in phone booths, left behind by users. While some people collected them, most were abandoned. Recognizing an opportunity, I decided to collect these cards to sell for profit, aiming to purchase a radio.
Over the course of a few months, I amassed more calling cards than I had anticipated, turning the endeavor into a treasure hunt of sorts. When I visited the collector’s corner in downtown Athens, I attracted the attention of several collectors eager to offer me the best value for my diverse collection of cards. Eventually, I secured a deal that not only allowed me to buy my desired radio but also left me with extra funds to save for other purposes.
This experience remains one of the most valuable lessons in my life. It taught me self-reliance and the importance of hard work in achieving my goals. It showed me that with determination, innovative thinking, and resourcefulness, I could find a way to fulfill my aspirations. Ultimately, I managed to save money without relying on a job or financial assistance from others, utilizing only my ingenuity, perseverance, and available resources.