Recently, I went through two interviews and a technical test, only to receive an email saying the hiring process was paused. I’m unsure whether it’s a subtle rejection or just a delay, but it’s not the first time this has happened. Over the past few months, I’ve applied to hundreds—possibly thousands—of jobs, sent countless emails, DMs on LinkedIn and Twitter, and even spoken to people in person. Yet, here I am, still waiting for that opportunity to come through.
There were moments where I landed roles, only to be laid off soon after.
At times like these, it’s hard to stay motivated because the outcome we strive for—the job—hasn’t materialized yet. However, through reading, podcasts, and learning from people like Andrew Tate, I’ve come to realize that focusing on what you can control is key. It’s far more productive and healthy to keep taking action rather than dwelling on what hasn’t happened.
For me, taking action means continuing to learn through online courses, writing, and publishing articles like this one.
This is Day 1 of my 100 days of transformation challenge; writing one article everyday. Inspired after having a conversation with Grëg Häris
These activities may not yield immediate results, but they are part of the process that ultimately leads to success. If you think about it, it’s a win-win situation: by learning and creating content, I’m improving my skills. Even if I don’t land a job right away, I’ve still built something valuable that could help someone else, and when the job does come, I’ll be even more prepared.
One principle that keeps me going is adopting a "Win or Learn" mindset. This approach helps me push through, even on difficult days.
So, how do I deal with rejection?
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Focus on What I Can Control
I may not be able to control whether I get the job, but I can control how I respond to rejection. By investing time in learning and creating, I’m taking positive steps forward.
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Adopt a "Win or Learn" Mindset
Instead of seeing rejection as failure, I view it as a learning experience. Each setback teaches me something new, and over time, those lessons will compound into something greater.
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Reflect and Get Feedback
I often ask myself: are there things I should start or stop doing? Should I pivot? It’s important to avoid falling into the trap of the sunk cost fallacy—continuing to invest time, money, or effort into something that isn’t working, just because you’ve already invested so much. For me, dropping out of university was a tough decision, but it was necessary because it wasn’t working for me despite the time and money already spent. You need to figure out what that is for you.
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Be Present and Celebrate Small Wins
Some days ago, I was feeling down, so I created a note listing all my wins in 2024. That simple act helped me realize how much progress I’ve made. You can do the same—whether it’s writing down three wins a day or starting a gratitude journal, reflecting on your achievements can give you the motivation to keep moving forward.
Rejection is a form of energy. As Albert Einstein said: "Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be transformed from one form to another"
Instead of letting rejection bring you down, use it as energy to become better, push yourself forward, and get into an upward spiral.
Starting from today - write down 3 wins daily or 3 things you're grateful for.
Until next time,
Ekemini
Top comments (58)
Great article. Looking forward to the next one 🙌
The only thing I would be careful about is taking advice from Andrew Tate. I don't want to tell you what to do, and the lesson you learned is a valid one indeed, but he is a known misogynist and demagogue.
well said 👏 not very surprising the author still hasn't got a job considering he is taking advice from someone who has been charged with being a human trafficking rapist who formed an organised crime group to sexually exploit women 😂
Thank you, Drazen.
Well, I don't know Andrew Tate to be that, what I know is I've been learning a lot from the insights he shares.
I'm also careful about taking advice from Andrew Tate.
👏
I also going through the same phase of life and started sharing blogs about what I have learned on daily basis. Even I have not joined any jobs since now I am pushing myself to focus on what I can control like upskilling myself and keep sharing with people who will be helped . The motivation here is Every time we will not be success .Sometimes we will fail to learn and improve ourself. Keep it up buddy . You will make it happen. Be motivated and keep motivating others. 🙌
Thank you so much, Akash; seeing others putting in the effort and working towards great goals is motivating!
Do you publish your blogs here on dev.to?
I write on hashnode and linked in.
That's cool!
Could you share a link to one of your blog posts?
Low Level Design and SOLID Principle :
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/low-level-design-solid-principle-akash-das-yy0xc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via
It's on linked in.
akashdas7781.hashnode.dev/
It's my hashnode blog profile. Please check for more details.
Great! I just checked it out!
Yes, checked this too.
Thank you buddy😊
You're welcome man! 😎
You're welcome
Keep working hard, Ekemini,
Your post reminds me of when I went out to create Resume Matcher for this purpose.
🔥
Wow! ~5K + 1 stars. Great work mate!
Thanks a lot! ^^
Thank you, Saurabh.
Great work you did with Resume Matcher.
Did you also integrate AI features to it?
Not yet. It's in development. (Assuming by AI you mean Gen AI, not Machine Learning)
Okay, how's the development going?
Oh I meant AI generally, not just Gen AI/Machine Learning
It's going on . . . I won't say the progress is linear so far.
But going somewhere.
Alright, that's great!
Keep up the good work.
Exactly Ekemini, the only way to grow (or win) is to try hard.
It’s really hard when nothing seems to work but the only option is to keep moving forward.
I’ve been through those low moments too so I understand very well. Stay strong and work hard.
Yes Anmol, I just got to keep a positive mindset and continue taking action in the right direction.
Thank you for contributing ❤
It's comforting to know that I'm not alone on this. Dealing with rejection after applying to countless jobs can be disheartening, but focusing on what we can control is key,, we can turn rejection into the energy that propels us forward.
Exactly James, it's about redirecting that energy positively!
This is inspiring and beautiful motivation article you gat here. Thanks 🙏.. keep it up, one day we shall gather to also testify the good news . Some of us are in that shoe, but we keep pushing, that doesn't mean we are not competent developers, one thing is sure .
"God doesn't make mistakes".
Thank you, Onyeacholem.
Yes, one day at a time.
It's similar to Stoicism Philosophy! I'm really surprised!
Thanks for your contribution.
What part of the Stoicism philosophy are you referring to?
Focus on What You Can Control:
Win or Learn Mindset:
Reflect and Get Feedback:
Being Present and Celebrating Small Wins:
Using Rejection as Energy:
These are all Stoic vibes—focusing on your response, learning from tough moments, and keeping a positive outlook even when things don’t go your way.
Got it now! Thank you @henriquefcit for elaborating on it!
Great one man.
We will keep failing forward until we achieve our dreams. I believe that as we keep working hard, it will only be a matter of time - It will not be "if I win", but "when".
🦾
Thank you, Greg.
Yes, "when we win"- and that time is now. ❤
I appreciate your candor. Great mindset!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable.
I'm also looking for a new job and can certainly relate to what you are going through.
I appreciate the healthful tips.
That's great, Jaemin!
Keep doing the good work.
Have you tried reaching out to companies that align with your job role on LinkedIn?