by Shelley Macon, Head Editor, INALJ Florida

Rejected

Used under Creative Commons licensing http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rejected.jpg

Two months ago I tentatively dipped my toe in the job market.  I applied for a job.

So, now it has been two months and I haven’t heard anything from the employer.  No call.  No email. Nothing.  Now I know I shouldn’t take it personally.  In fact, several of the other fabulous INALJ Head Editors have given great advice on just this topic.

But I can’t seem to help it.  I am frustrated, angry, disappointed, and dejected.  I have been REJECTED.

The sad part is that I’m not even sure I wanted that job in the first place.  It is a library position that would  require virtually no use of my hard-earned MLIS.  And this would be my first post-graduation job.  I want to use it.

Mainly, I applied because it is the only library in my town (in addition to being my pre-children work place oh so long ago) and available jobs there are few and far between.

So basically, I applied for a job that doesn’t require my skills and that I am not sure I want.  And I’m upset?

But dang it, regardless of my desire, or lack of desire, for the job I wanted them to want me.  What an ego killer, crusher, mangler.

I guess I should take Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice.  Do not waste yourself in rejection; do not bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good.

That sounds good.  That sounds easy.  Right?

I’m not sure if I’m ready to test the waters again.  I think I have some INALJ articles to reread.

Or maybe I’ll just take Mason Cooley’s advice instead.  When you can’t figure out what to do, it’s time for a nap.