Tuesday Tea Time: Rejections & Redirections

Good morning and happy December! 🎉

This week, I’ve been sipping on a Black Currant Lavender Black Tea, and let me tell you—it’s a flavor journey. While it’s not my usual profile, this very English-inspired blend has a unique sweet-tart taste with a beautifully floral aroma. 🌸

I prefer it iced, but it’s equally delightful served hot. Bonus: it’s packed with immune-boosting properties, making it a perfect pick-me-up for the season. Honestly, it’s like sipping on a cozy autumn day in a cup. 🍂☕

Have you tried any unique tea blends lately? Let me know—I’m always up for something new!

A few weeks ago, I told you all about a big career rejection I faced, this one was tough for me yall. So today, I want to take the time to share with you a little about rejections, redirections, and growing from each “failure”.

Sharing My Story: When Rejection Feels Like a Gut Punch

Long story short, I went for an internal role that felt like a perfect fit for me: a role where I had all the right skills, and I genuinely believed I could make a difference. I gave it everything I had.

I did all the “right” things:
✅ Prepared meticulously for the interviews.
✅ Received 100% positive feedback at every stage.
✅ Met with every single person on the team and the extended team.
✅ Walked my board of directors through my journey and built a network of supporters.
✅ Created detailed roadmaps, presentations, and plans to show exactly what I’d bring to the table.

And then I made it to the final round. The feedback was glowing. The momentum felt unstoppable. But then came the call - the one I didn’t expect: “We’ve decided to go with another candidate.”

It hit me like a gut punch. For the first time in a long time, rejection really hurt. Maybe it’s because I gave 2000%. Maybe it’s because I truly believed this role was made for me. Maybe it’s because I knew in my heart that I could’ve been the best fit and delivered real impact.

I’ll be honest - it’s hard to share this. It’s not easy to talk about rejection when I’m still figuring out my next steps. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that sharing the highs and the lows is what makes us human.

So here we are…

Handling Rejection with Grace and Resilience

Rejection can feel like failure, but I’ve come to realize it’s more of a redirection. As hard as it was to hear that I didn’t get the role, I wanted to approach the situation with grace, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.

Here’s what I did; maybe these steps will resonate with you if you find yourself in a similar place:

1. Seek Feedback, Even When It’s Hard to Hear

When I got the rejection, my first instinct was to ask for feedback. I didn’t just want to know why I didn’t get the role; I wanted to learn how I could improve for the future. I asked the hiring manager direct and pointed questions, such as:

• What specific skills or experiences could I develop further?

• Were there areas in my interviews where I could have been stronger?

• How did the selected candidate’s qualifications align better with the team’s needs?

The feedback I received was invaluable, not just for this role, but for every opportunity that comes next.

2. Follow Up with Your Interviewers

I went a step further and set up time with every single interviewer I had throughout the process. I approached each conversation with humility and a genuine desire to understand their perspectives. Their insights gave me a clearer picture of my strengths and areas for growth. It also showed them that I’m committed to self-improvement and take feedback seriously.

3. Acknowledge Their Decision with Grace

When I spoke with the hiring manager, I made it a point to let him know that I understood the decision wasn’t an easy one. I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the effort he and his team put into the process. By doing this, I left the door open for future opportunities and maintained a positive relationship with him and the team.

Why Feedback Matters

Taking these steps helped me move forward with clarity and resilience. Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, especially when you’ve given something your all. But it’s also one of the most powerful tools we have to grow.

If you ever find yourself facing rejection, I encourage you to:

• Ask for feedback. Approach it with an open mind, and be ready to listen without defensiveness.

• Engage with humility. Show your interviewers that you value their insights and respect their perspectives.

• Express gratitude. Even in disappointment, gratitude leaves a lasting impression.

Rejection isn’t the end of the story—it’s just a chapter. And every chapter brings you closer to the next big moment.

Remember, the way you handle a setback says more about you than the setback itself. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this. 💛

Lessons Hidden in Every “No” You Hear

Rejection isn’t new to me - it’s a recurring theme that has shaped how I persevere, adapt, and grow. Each “no” has become a stepping stone to something better, even if it didn’t feel that way at the moment.

Example #1: When I launched my book, I poured my heart into it. I believed in the message, the humor, and the value it could provide. But for weeks, and then months, I saw no sales. Nothing. It was devastating to realize that my passion project wasn’t connecting with readers. I questioned if I had made a mistake even writing it.

But instead of giving up, I decided to double down. I printed posters and started putting them up in coffee shops, community boards, and anywhere people might notice. Slowly, the sales began trickling in, and with each copy sold, I regained confidence in my work. That experience taught me that success isn’t always immediate, sometimes, you have to go out there and put in extra effort to bring your vision to life.

Example #2: Then there was the time I tried to connect with high schools to offer talks to their students. I emailed dozens of schools with heartfelt proposals, sharing how I wanted to inspire and guide young people. And guess what? Crickets. Not a single response.

At first, it was disheartening. But I decided I wouldn’t let silence stop me. I showed up in person. I visited schools, introduced myself to staff, and explained my mission. The in-person effort made all the difference: doors that had been closed began to open, and I eventually got the chance to speak to students, something that brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

These rejections taught me valuable lessons:

1. Persistence Pays Off: Success often comes to those who keep showing up.

2. Adjust Your Approach: Sometimes, it’s not about trying harder but trying differently.

3. Find the Opportunity in Setbacks: A “no” might redirect you to a better strategy or path you hadn’t considered.

When I face rejection now, I see it as an opportunity to go after my goals with even more energy. Whether it’s finding new ways to connect, learning from what didn’t work, or building resilience, every rejection has shaped me into someone who refuses to give up.

And that’s the beauty of it: every “no” isn’t the end; it’s just a chance to pivot, improve, and prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought. 

Reframing Rejection as a Redirection to Better Opportunities

Rejection doesn’t just teach resilience - it also serves as a compass, gently (or sometimes forcefully) steering us toward paths we might not have considered. While it stings in the moment, every rejection carries a subtle message: "Not this, but maybe something else."

I’ve had moments where rejection wasn’t just a challenge to overcome but a clear sign it was time to pivot.

Example #1: Take the time I faced what felt like an endless series of rejections in startups. Despite working tirelessly and putting in long hours, I found myself hitting cultural roadblocks. Those experiences weren’t about a lack of ability; they were signals urging me to reassess. I realized that the relentless hustle culture of startups wasn’t for me. I valued work-life balance far more than I had acknowledged, and those rejections pushed me to prioritize environments that aligned with that value. It was a turning point, showing me that success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s about doing so in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

Example #2: Or think about when I began my career in computer engineering. I used to love my job and it seemed to match my skills well. But over time, I faced a different kind of rejection: the realization that I didn’t enjoy the work. I felt disconnected and uninspired. That discomfort was a clear message that I was on the wrong path. It became a sign to pivot toward something that better suited my strengths and passions: a more people-facing role where I could connect with others and make an impact.

Example #3: Even academic setbacks can be blessings in disguise. I still remember failing a test that I had studied for relentlessly. At the time, it felt like the end of the world, but in hindsight, it was a clear message that the subject just wasn’t for me. That D- didn’t define my worth; it helped me see where I could truly excel, steering me away from a field that would’ve drained me and toward one that lights me up.

Rejections like these are also perfect opportunities for reflection and redirection. When you face a “no,” ask yourself:

• What is this rejection telling me about my goals?

• Does this align with the vision I have for my life?

• Am I pursuing this out of passion or out of expectation?

The beauty of rejection is that it forces you to pause and evaluate where you’re headed. Often, it’s the moments of greatest disappointment that lead to the most significant breakthroughs. That F, that declined opportunity, or that painful “no” might just be the redirection you need to pivot toward something better aligned with your purpose.

What if that rejection was the universe protecting you from something that wasn’t right? Or what if it was clearing the way for an opportunity you never would’ve considered otherwise? Rejections are tough, but they’re also transformative. Each one gives you the chance to reassess your path, adjust your course, and grow into the person you’re meant to be.

Moving Forward

While I’m still processing this setback, I’m also choosing to focus on what I can control:

• Staying open to new opportunities.

• Learning from this experience.

• Continuing to show up with the same passion and drive, no matter what.

If you’re navigating rejection right now, know this: you’re not alone. It’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to feel like the wind’s been knocked out of you. But you will get back up, stronger than before.

Thank you for letting me share this vulnerable moment with you. If you’ve ever faced a rejection that shook you, I’d love to hear how you handled it. Let’s support each other in turning our “nos” into powerful new directions. 💛

And remember: every setback is a setup for a comeback. You’ve got this. ✨

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