Facing Rejection: My Journey and Lessons Learned

Throughout my career, I have faced a few rejections, but I never considered these as failures. Rather, I viewed them as opportunities to find a better fit for me and my skills. While applying for jobs, I encountered various rejections, from engineering to my most recent business role, but each experience brought valuable insights.

Early Career and Rejections

From a young age, my career path was shaped by both opportunities and rejections. At age 18, I began my journey with the United States Navy for 21 months. This experience was crucial, but it didn't come without a challenge. The next significant milestone was my professional debut as a psychologist at the Long Beach Neuropsychiatric Hospital, where I spent 17 glorious years. Although I eventually left, my journey was marked by achievements, including making a substantial amount of money in the stock market. This venture lasted four years with just a starting capital of 10,000 and ended up providing an income of 125,000. Since 1995, I haven't worked a day, seeking various industries and experiences.

Engineering and MBA Rejections

In my early professional days, rejections played a significant role in shaping my career. As an engineering candidate through campus placements, I was rejected by almost ten companies before landing a position. Similarly, during my MBA journey, I faced twenty-plus rejections before securing my place. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of continuous improvement. The path to success was paved with many who were more qualified than me, which made each acceptance even more rewarding.

The Recent Job Change

One of the most challenging transitions occurred when I decided to leave my field of expertise, consulting. With a non-compete clause in my contract, I had to explore various industries. Over an eight to ten-month period, I applied to more than 50 companies and underwent interviews with over fifteen companies. My persistence paid off, as two companies took seven rounds, and two others conducted three rounds of interviews, ultimately rejecting me. This job change was particularly difficult because I was switching industries, a feat not often accomplished. However, my patience and determination finally led to success.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

Each rejection I faced has been an important part of my career journey. I learned to focus on the positives and to see rejection as a stepping stone. After my bachelors in 2019, I joined my first company, where the initial struggle was intense. This experience was a mix of excitement and anxiety, marked by hard work and a new set of challenges. After a year and three months, I decided to switch companies. The second interview went well, but the third didn't due to my anxiety. Nonetheless, I was ultimately selected for the position I sought, proving that perseverance and determination can overcome the toughest obstacles.

As I continue my career journey, I remain open to new opportunities and remain committed to personal and professional growth. Rejection is not the end, but rather the beginning of the better version of ourselves. The lessons learned through these rejections have equipped me with the resilience needed to face any challenge that lies ahead.

Conclusion

My experiences with rejections have been transformative. Each setback has brought me closer to my goals and taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and resilience. These experiences have not only shaped my career but have also fostered a growth mindset that I carry into every new challenge. I hope that through sharing my story, others may find encouragement and inspiration to face their own rejections with the same determination and positive attitude.