You’ll probably find the colonial job seeker’s struggles eerily familiar. In 1625, blacksmith William Palmer, a victim of the economic troubles in his native England, had lost his business because he couldn’t pay the rent. His employment prospects were so poor, he feared he’d have to sell his blacksmith tools to survive. Such a loss in those days would have been as serious as losing your home is today.

In the end, Palmer kept his tools but chose an equally daunting risk: relocating across the Atlantic. Watch and listen as he recounts the story of his landing at the Plimoth Colony.

For their kind cooperation, we’d like to thank Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where America’s colonial past comes to life. (And yes, William Palmer really was a blacksmith at the Plimoth Colony.)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone.

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Is Relocation the Right Move? Weigh the Pros and Cons
The Value of Thanks-Giving in Your Job Search
3 Reasons to Keep Job Searching Through the Holidays

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