what job rejections teach you

 So, it came. The much awaited response to a particularly anticipated job application.

The answer - a standard rejection via email. Thanks for applying but no, thanks. Please keep in touch.

There goes my dream. 

Felt my heart squeeze. This has been just a series of ghosting and rejections from all the companies I've applied to.

But here are some of the things I've learned after each rejection -

1. I don't need to tick off all the qualifications in order to apply. In the past, I would apply only if I met at least 90% of the requirements.
2. I don't need to be intimidated by the salary they are offering. The fact that they are offering a package that seems really great doesn't mean I don't deserve it or that I am not qualified for it. I am!
3. I can expand my job application. I have picked up various skills over the years. So I can take a slight detour and apply for roles that are different to the ones I've pursued in the past. 
4. Life goes on - rejections are not the end of life as we know it. So, yes, I will dust myself off and continue.

*In the meanwhile, it is okay to take a day or two to marinate in a soup of sadness and despair. Because rejections sting!

Hashtag blessed

The past few weeks have been good to me. Or rather, I've been good to myself. 

Just some few, low-key gifts of existence, but beautiful. And work life is looking good, mental health is great, weekend coming up. I'll take that as a win-win.

On Monday evening after work, I stepped out to the garden and found the mint in all its glory. They look so healthy and fresh, don't they?

Michaela Cole on a Thursday morning

It's been a wicked morning. 

Is crying over a profile piece on the brilliant Michaela Cole normal? Something about her just fills me up. What is it about women who truly fascinate and inspire you?

Just noticed that this piece was published last year on (serendipitously) July 6th which happens to be my birth date. My favourite bits from this article was her talking about empathy and what it means to her, the connection she had with her Air BnB lady in the US, and the way she questioned closure -  'Must there be bloodshed for there to be justice?'

The article also includes her 2018 MacTaggart Lecture. I watched it early this year and I am regretful that I didn't watch it sooner. Ever since, I have been astounded by her. It was not the first time I came across Michaela. I watched her show 'Chewing Gum' in 2017 but I couldn't really connect to the show so I hadn't followed her journey. But this speech that she gave is absolutely brilliant. 

And then, of course, I watched 'I May Destroy You'.