Rebound

I recently applied for a position and was rejected.

That’s a fairly common storyline, but I really felt confident and certain that I would obtain the position. The interview went well, and I put a large amount of effort in the application packet. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, and I’m left feeling inadequate and incompetent. No amount of sweet and generous words can compensate for an introduction of “We regret to inform you….” Initially, I was pretty disappointed – as one could expect. But that feeling was only temporary, as I quick came out of my rut.

The reality is that I didn’t get my desired job, and no amount of depression and moping would change that. So I had to begin the process of rebounding.

First, I reminded myself that I was still very successful in my own right. Holding three jobs while being a successful full time student isn’t easy and is a task not many individuals can maintain. Not many individuals can sustain themselves completely based off of student loans and their bi-weekly paycheck. I didn’t need this new position to be a successful individual. In fact, not getting the position was probably best, as now I can focus on improving the areas I am already invested and involved in. I am looking forward to the challenges of being a third year mentor and stepping up to maximize the acknowledged potential of our team, I am excited to be promoted into the Training department of Student Computing Services with the intention of increasing the production of the department and I am thrilled to continue recruiting and assisting the Office of Enrollment Management as a Cougar Connector, the student ambassador for the university. I also intend to use my time to continue to increase my focus on school and my GPA. The new position would have required a minimum of 10 hours a week, on top of the 20+ I was already putting in my other three positions. It’s probably best I didn’t get it.

Next, after I had assured myself that I was still a successful person and that it was best I didn’t get the position; I looked objectively at reasons why I didn’t get it. It’s never easy to self-criticize, but I find that “you are your own worst critic,” and blunt criticism won’t come from any external source – it has to come from within. After analyzing my flaws and weaknesses, I began to take an even more difficult task – I began to look at ways to correct these flaws. Some were correctable for future interviews and positions, others required a process of self-improvement and self-education, all of them could only be revealed after I experienced this form of failure. As long as I can make these adjustments, I will retroactively be thankful for being rejected.

Finally, I ran down what I had to be thankful for. My friends, my family and my situation in life are all positive aspects I have going for me. Many have not been given the blessings and opportunities I have, and I am so thankful for what I have.

Life isn’t easy and is admittedly based on chance, but I refuse to let luck and my weak background determine my success. Although I missed this shot, I’m going to rebound back and follow up with a better one.