So...I Didn't Get The Job

Last week I wrote a blog post explaining how I felt learning that a friend had passed away. In that post, I stated I had applied for a job--that's how I found out about my friend. The job was within the same company where I currently work--at no time was I without a job. So as to not leave anyone hanging, I did not get it.

Bummer.

I have applied for this particular job several times going back twenty years. When I first applied, interview, and was denied, boy...it hurt. I watched as others with less experience were hired and I was not. A million things go through your mind when that happens, at least, they do for me.

This time was different, though. Many times before I felt I had the job. I felt I did well enough in the interviews and I definitely had the experience. I also knew what they were looking for and, at least in my mind, I had everything they needed. This time around, I wasn't sure what they needed, even though I have years of experience--more than enough to cover whatever they're looking for.

Alas, it was not meant to be.

Now I take rejection better than I used to. I'm more mature than I once was and that helps me accept these things. When I found out who got the job, it made sense. The person had actually done the job for years before being re-assigned. I know how that feels--it's not fun. I was happy for the worker and even sent a congratulatory text--several, in fact--when I returned to work after hearing of the decision.

One thing I've tried to teach my children is that they have the choice when it comes to how they feel. I was bummed the day I heard the news, but the next morning, I felt a lot better. I knew I had done my best and a more qualified applicant got the job. I want my kids to know that they have the ability to decide how they're going to react to the good and bad things that will happen to them in this life. Life was never supposed to be easy, contrary to what politicians tell you. It's supposed to be hard at times. It's supposed to suck at times, and it's supposed to be wonderful at times. How we choose to view these events makes all the difference. 

No, I didn't get the job, but I'm okay with it. Sure, it would have been nice--I already knew where the raise in pay would be going. But since it's not meant to be, at least, this time around, I might as well look at all the good things.

Because there's so many of them out there.

Applying For Jobs...

Today I got the e-mail. I thought maybe I'd get a phone call like the last time I was informed that I would not be chosen for the position for which I had applied and interviewed. The phone call was from a friend--so was the e-mail. This was the third denial I'd received in the last four weeks. I'm still waiting to hear about another position for which I interviewed...I thought I would have heard about that one by now.

There's been several positions posted at work lately, hence, the interviews. I am chosen for almost any job I apply for because I have years of experience and more education than almost every other applicant. HR has to schedule me for the interviews because of these qualifications. I'm not saying this to brag...it's just the truth.

On the previous job, I was glad the friend called to deliver the news. She didn't have to, but it was a nice thing to do. I personally felt I had not had the best interview, but there was hope. Today's e-mail shocked me a little. I thought I had my best interview in years, but they chose someone else.

I hesitate to tell you exactly how many positions I've applied for since 2005 and how many of those jobs I've actually been hired to do. I apply because I want to benefit both the organization and improve my personal circumstances. Plus, I feel I can do a good job if given the chance. Of course, I know things could be worse and I AM so grateful to have a job when so many have none. I just thought if a person worked hard, picked up an advanced degree, and stayed with a company for several years, it wouldn't be this hard to improve one's situation.

Tomorrow I'll go to work and do what's asked of me. I may hear on the other job; I may not. I'll look at the job postings to see if anything else has opened, and if something opens up, I'll probably apply for it, too. Days like today make me question my actions--is it worth it to put myself out there like that? Sometimes, I wonder...