The Fear of Rejection; Why it's Okay to Not be Okay

February 24, 2023, | By Erika Glysz

There's nothing quite as soul-crushing then finding the perfect job on Indeed or LinkedIn, clicking that 'view full description' button, scrolling down the list of qualifications (which you all have), then realizing that a requirement for this entry-level position is 3-5 years of industry experience. I can't even tell you how many times I've experienced that exact thing, and it's because of companies asking for so many years of experience that I turned to freelance so I can get that industry experience that everyone is after.

Although I didn't have the experience they were looking for I still applied anyways because maybe I would still make the first round of interviews. Did I ever? No. And each time I kept getting rejection after rejection it was hard to stay positive. I mean how are you supposed to get experience when no one will hire you to gain experience? If you are like me then you know what it's like to be in that constant cycle of needing experience but no one will take a chance on you and I know it can feel frustrating, well I want you to know your feelings are completely valid, and I understand. I want to write about some things that have been helping me overcome this career slump.

No matter what, keep putting yourself out there

I know that sounded super cheesy but I mean it. You have to keep showing up for yourself and keep trying. I know firsthand how frustrating and disheartening it can be, and this is coming from someone who while writing this has 2 volunteer jobs, (to gain marketing manager experience), 4 part-time clients, and one ice cream job just to make ends meet.

When I graduated from my last school program during the height of Covid I wasn't able to get hired onto my co-op placement so that meant I was out in the world looking for work. That was over a year ago and I'm only now just getting into doing what I actually want to do. I went for so many interviews but never made the cut, or completed small internships but the competition was just too tough. It's going to seem like life is stacked against you but I see how much not getting a job has challenged me and made me a more creative individual than I was a year ago throughout all of this I never stopped showing up for myself and putting myself out there.

Give freelancing a try, you just might love it

I still remember the first day I landed a paying client. I was working in a pet store and she came in and just asked what I was doing in life and I explained my aspirations. It turns out she was actually looking for someone and long story short that's how we started working together. I'm so thankful that she came into my store that one day and decided to take a chance on me because that just built my confidence right up. After that not only was I able to work with that client for a year, but I also gained other clients in the meantime and built myself an actual client portfolio.

It was after my little bout of success that I fully decided that I enjoyed helping small to mid-sized businesses grow their brands as I too was a small fish in the marketing pond and we little guys have to stick together. I really enjoy building those connections and that's something not all large companies care about as much.

Sometimes all you need is that one break and everything changes

Just like many things in life, if you put in the effort you will be rewarded, I promise you that. If I could offer advice to anyone who is feeling let down, unsure of themselves, or disheartened due to constant rejection, keep pushing and keep trying as you're almost there. All it takes is that one person to come and take that chance on you and then you'll be off.

I'm finding out now that connections and networking also play a big role in job opportunities. My one boss from my one job has given me 2 other paid opportunities just from recommendations since we've worked together and she's seen my work. So, build your connections, reach out on social media, on LinkedIn, see if anyone needs and pro bono work done because you never know who's watching their profiles or who they know and can give you a glowing recommendation.

I also want to share a song that I listen to often when I need a pick-me-up. It's about there always being a light at the end of the tunnel and to hold on.

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