58: Out There

It was a lovely Thursday morning. I woke up with a smile on my face, happy and excited for the work that I would be doing. I carefully picked the clothes I'd be wearing the night before. I prepared my things and packed it in my backpack. I wanted everything to be perfect. At last, I landed a part-time job for a company--a job that I'm really passionate about.

But then I reached the office, and I found out that I wasn't in yet. There were two of us waiting on the HR person, and only one of us would get the job.

I knew at once that he had the advantage. We talked a bit, and I found out that he was a great and talented guy. He was older, more mature. He had numerous professional experiences tucked under his sleeve. He had a great personality. He was better than me.

When my phone rang with an unknown number on the screen while I was having lunch, I kind of expected that the call would end with me not ecstatic. And lo and behold, I pressed the end call button with glumness. They picked him.

Yes, it is not a big deal. It was obvious from the very start that he was more appropriate for the job. Besides, it's just a quick sideline, nothing serious. But honestly, I find it hard to accept what happened. The expectation, the excitement. My confidence, My skills. This is the first time I actually applied for an "office" job, and I was not accepted.

"Sorry, but we opted to select the other person. I hope you are not too disappointed."

Rejection is difficult. It really hits you. Sadly, it really hits you hard.

Ah, growing up.