Today, I didn’t get my dream job
I was surprised at how unperturbed I was about missing out on my dream job by inches.
Today, I lost…or rather came second to, a candidate with ‘a little more experience’.
I received the call I’d been waiting on — an unrecognised mobile number, conveniently while I was on my lunch break. Enthused, I answered with a false sense of calm.
‘Hello, this is Ellen…’
What followed wasn’t entirely the brushing-off I thought I would get.
I had a spirited discussion with the hiring manager regarding the position and venue, my vast experience given my age (oh thank-you!), and more importantly the person he did hire.
I was elated that it was a woman who landed the role, which is worth celebrating in the music industry.
I was also surprised at how unperturbed I was about missing out on my dream job by inches.
Some people feel like there’s nothing more crushing than coming second — even more so when there’s no silver medal. Straight up, I didn’t get the job. Nothing changes. Too bad.
However…I’m taking it for what it is.
There’s relief in that I don’t have to cram another 25 hours of work into my week, sign any superannuation forms (ugh) or figure out a new commute.
There’s certainly disappointment too, but if I’m coming second at 22 I have a feeling my dream role may not be that far out of reach anymore.
The excitement of coming so close to my dream is definitely outshining the negatives. Initially I was terrified at the thought of applying, thinking I was kidding myself to even try.
If both scaring myself and accepting defeat can be this productive and rewarding in the pursuit of my dreams, I intend to scare myself and admit defeat much more often.
