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.

A Reference, And Then Some...

I saw the posted job and I almost couldn't believe it--the job description read like my resume. It was almost too perfect, too good to be true. And, in the end, that's exactly what happened.

I have a neighbor and we've chatted several times about this and that. More than once he's asked if he could help me with anything. After reading about the posting, I asked him if he would be a reference for me. I wasn't sure--he's a very busy person, a very important person in the community and I wasn't sure if he did things like that. I would completely understand if he declined.

I sent the e-mail and he agreed. I was very excited. I was sure they would call to set up an interview time.

I waited, and then I waited and I didn't hear anything. There was a holiday after I applied and I took a couple of days off, but I wasn't too worried. After all, I was more than qualified for the job, and I'm not being boastful. Even the part-time gig I've been doing this last summer videoing and photographing events was one of the job duties. They had to call.

Yesterday I checked the status of the job and it was filled. I don't mind (as much...) not getting a job. I've learned from experience that there are much more qualified people out there, and that there are lesser qualified people who know the right people to get the job. What bugged me was no interview. 

I e-mailed my friend telling him that he wouldn't be needed as a reference and he wrote back with a great compliment. It made my day. He didn't have to be a reference to begin with, and he didn't have to write back. Not getting the interview stung a little. Hearing back from my friend more than made up for it.