Navigating Rejection and Staying True to My Professional Path

Over the past six months, I’ve applied for over 70 roles.

That number may sound high, especially because I’ve been intentional and selective about the opportunities I pursue. I’m in a privileged position where I don’t have to apply for just any job. I’m seeking a role where I can truly contribute, grow, and align with an organisation’s values and purpose, and I recognise that not everyone is able to do this. Yet, despite my focus, the return rate has been disheartening. Fewer than 5% of my applications have progressed to the next stage, and only about half have resulted in any response at all. Most of those have included the feared “unfortunately” line.

It hasn’t been easy. Each rejection carries weight, and over time, they’ve accumulated into moments of self-doubt. I’ve found myself questioning my worth, wondering if my skills are still relevant, or if my aspirations are simply too far from reach. The classic signs of impostor syndrome have crawled in, especially as someone transitioning careers, as a migrant, and as a woman navigating new professional spaces.

But here’s what I remind myself:

I made this decision to step away from my previous role knowing it wouldn’t be an easy path. I knew that choosing to pursue work that aligns with my values, work that is people-centred, purposeful, and growth-oriented, would take time. And I also knew that I didn’t want to settle for just any job that paid the bills. I’m searching for the right fit, and that process often includes more “no’s” than “yeses.”

What’s kept me going has been both: the clarity of my goals, and the support of the people who see me for who I am and what I bring. Former colleagues, leaders, and peers have reached out during this time, reminding me of the impact I’ve had on their work, teams, or projects. They’ve reminded me that while I may be in a quieter moment of transition, I’m still the same professional who delivers, who cares, and who uplifts others.

I may not be loud. I may carry my accent. And my resume might not follow a linear path. But I bring resilience, global experience, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and an unwavering belief that people and culture sit at the heart of sustainable, impactful work.

The road may be unclear, but rejection isn’t a measure of your worth. Keep going.

If you’re in a similar season, waiting, wondering, hoping, I want to share a few reminders that have grounded me:

• Rejection is not a reflection of your worth. Sometimes it's about timing, internal candidates, or business priorities. Don’t let it rewrite your story.

• You don’t have to be everything for everyone. Focus on alignment, not just fit. The right place will recognise the value of what you bring.

• Let others remind you who you are. When you forget your strengths, let the people you've impacted mirror them back to you.

• Your values are your compass. When things feel unclear, they will guide your next right step.

I’m still in the middle of this journey. But I share this to be transparent about what the in-between looks like. Not every chapter is about achieving, landing, or succeeding. Some chapters are about staying true to your path, even when it’s steep. Especially when it’s steep.

I’ll keep walking, even slowly, toward work that matters.