"So pretty much, my entire career is built on one amazing stroke of luck."

This, to me, is the buried lede. Much of success is due to luck. Not all; some people on balance are more talented and persistent and hard working than lucky. Others have more luck (a referral, inside info for helping them prep, etc.). I just landed a new job that I am quite confident I would not have been considered for without a referral from someone close to me working for the company already.

After multiple rounds of interviews and assessments I am confident they feel I am a good match, but without the luck of that referral I very well may not have gotten past the call with the recruiter.