A Year of …

Rejection.

I’ve heard it said that “rejection is a form of protection.” I suppose.

Yes, there have been times in my life when I’ve looked back on a situation grateful for what didn’t happen.

However, I can also recall that when those circumstances were unfolding it often felt devastating. As though my chest had been ripped open and my heart, soul, and self-esteem were being Rubbed with sandpaper and Rinsed with acid rain.

Over the past several months, as I’ve been seeking re-employment after a layoff, I’ve had similar occurrences when learning that company “X” had gone with candidate “Y”, again and again, and again.

RRRRRR!!! Rub, Rinse, Repeat, Rub, Rinse, Repeat!

I’ve been ghosted or have been told “everybody thought you were great but…” or “we’re looking for someone more junior,” or “we’re going in a different direction…” or better yet, “we went with someone better suited for the job…” That, quote/unquote, job being the exact same type of position I’ve held for the past eighteen years and practically identical to the job I was laid off from, just at a different firm.

These recent challenges have been daunting, sometimes plunging me into depths of bewilderment I haven’t experienced since adolescence; leaving me frustrated and temporarily uninterested in continuing the pursuit.

RRRRRR!!! Rub, Rinse, Repeat, Rub Rinse Repeat!

However, I have bills to pay and dreams to pursue. I have a lot to offer as I possess a wealth of experience with a track record of achievement at formidable institutions.

Plus, I’m way too young to retire and still really want to work. I like making a contribution to things that make a difference in the world.

More importantly, though, I’m not wired to quit. Never have been.

This is not the first time I’ve faced obstacles vying for a seat at the table. I’ve had more than one career rising through corporate ranks, each fraught with occasional disappointments and interim setbacks.

In the end, though I climbed to great heights and celebrated many successes; proving to be a worthy and excellent choice for the project, promotion or position.

Through sheer tenacity and grit after each disappointment, what I have found to work best is…

I Rest to recoup my strength, gain back my bearings; reassessing my actions adjusting where necessary. I Rise to meet the next challenge/occasion/interview and I Repeat the process of showing up ready, willing and able to go on.

RRRRRR! Rest, Rise, Repeat, Rest, Rise, Repeat!