This story makes me think of a situation with one of my very best friends: he's not the smartest or the biggest go-getter in the world but he's a really good guy. After years of bouncing around clerk-type jobs, a few years back he landed a job selling wine & spirits and now in year 3 he's making around $80g. I recently congratulated him and he responded very modestly that it is basically all due to being honest, being kind and friendly to people, working hard, and doing the right thing.
I think if one is patient enough in life, doing the right thing and being good to people comes back to us eventually, even if it takes time.
Bravo Anthony...you're cut from the same cloth as my buddy I think.