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Didn't get the job

May 19th, 2011 at 07:46 pm

I left my phone at home yesterday, and it wasn't until late last night that NT noticed I had a voicemail on it. I was informed I didn't get the job; I came a close second (or does everyone get told that who doesn't get job offers?) and blah blah blah.

I felt sad and disappointed -- mainly it's a blow to the ego when these things happen. What was it about me that didn't stand out? I wasn't a 100% perfect fit experiencewise, so I think that's probably what it came down to. I may never know though.

The guy said I could contact him, so I called him this morning, figuring I should stay courteous to someone who has influence in this incestuous job market. He's gone until the 26th, so I just left a friendly message thanking him for the chance to apply and asking him to keep me in mind for future opportunities.

Now that the ego is mending and disappointment seeping away, I have to say there are lots of upsides. Namely, though I don't feel my job is compensating me fairly, it is paying me about $9000 more than this other job would. Now I can think about booking that train trip in August, which I figured we would have to skip if I got this job. I can also breathe easier about other "austerity measures" we might have had to take.

Other money benefits of not taking a pay cut:
-I don't have to freak out that we may need to change daycare providers again if our current lady closes up shop. We're easily able to absorb a higher daycare cost at our current salaries.
-NT can feel better about looking for jobs even if they mean a slight pay cut for him, and we can still think creatively about job/school balance options for him in the future.

Plus, my job is probably going to get noticeably better in June, when we can finally replace my proofreader who's not very good with one who is extremely capable (she worked here before, so I know it for a fact). I can shove off some of the responsibility I was unwilling to turn over to my current proofer, and hopefully get to work on more creative stuff, and at a higher level on some other stuff. At least it should break up the monotony a bit.

And, thinking about taking this other job, I was already starting to miss my vacation time, which I've built up to over 3 weeks off per year. This "dream job" wouldn't include any official PTO for the first year, and God knows how much the second year.

So in a way, I've come to appreciate certain aspects of my current job. Doesn't mean I'm not going to keep looking, but it's nice to feel slightly less bitter and cheated!

11 Responses to “Didn't get the job”

  1. CB in the City Says:
    1305834786

    Isn't it funny there are always up sides to any disappointment? I went through a similar process when I was turned down for a job. It may just be for the best!

  2. My English Castle Says:
    1305837263

    Glad to hear that the current job has upsides and may be getting better. That said, 9K is a big hit to most budgets; you may be happy about it after all.
    Maybe I'm hypersensitive, but getting turned down for anything hurts a little, I think.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1305837265

    You have such a great attitude about it. Maybe something even better is around the corner. Fingers crossed there is!

  4. LuckyRobin Says:
    1305838742

    Hopefully you will find something better that pays better, but if not at least this job will be getting better soon.

  5. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1305852998

    I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the job, but I am glad that you are finding the silver lining.

  6. davera Says:
    1305855097

    We're rooting for you here, Ceejay, and hope that an even better career opportunity will surface soon.

    Funny how none of us know each other, but we seem to be a clan all the same in this blogosphere. I saw your post title and immediately felt a surge of support and initial disappointment that "one of ours" was overlooked!! But something better is indeed out there, and we will be here cheering for you.

  7. ThriftoRama Says:
    1305899363

    Isn't that the worst? I've been on both sides of that situation, hiring and applying, and let me tell you sometimes, it just comes down to something arbitrary. It isn't always about you. It's about who will work the cheapest, who know's the boss's kids, who chewed too loudly at the lunch meeting, etc. So sorry, though. Something better has to come around.

  8. miclason Says:
    1305908869

    I believe everything DOES happen for a reason. I´m sure this means a much better opportunity/situation for your whole family down the road!

  9. Jerry Says:
    1305928587

    You have a very wise attitude about this, and that list leads me to the conclusion that those are some pretty significant upsides to consider. Granted, it's never nice NOT to be chosen for a job, but at least you have the insurance of a current position, with more pay, and you're not coming from a position of unemployment.
    Good luck with everything!
    Jerry

  10. ceejay74 Says:
    1305936315

    Thanks so much, guys! I've been handling it pretty well, I think, but your comments made it much better, much faster. I love this community.

  11. whitestripe Says:
    1306294965

    sorry to hear you didn't get it. I have been a bit the same lately - have applied for 4 and did not even get interviews with 3. Still have not heard back about 1. I know there are tons of people applying for jobs, so I do not feel too bad. But then if I start thinking about it, I get a bit down and like you have the same thoughts. Why can't they just give me a chance? What is it that doesn't stand out? Could I word things differently? What don't they like?

    Argh. So annoying! But glad to hear also that there are upsides to your job. It is best to solely concentrate on those when your current job is giving you the poo's. There are upsides to my job too - they just always seem to pale in comparison to the downsides. Big Grin

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