Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Rejection

For the past five weeks, I have been tutoring a pair of seven-year-old twins in English on the recommendation of my friend Sandman Moon. When I asked their mother when I should come back for the next tutoring session, she told me that she would call me if they needed me, and that she was going to reenlist Sandman Moon’s superior services. I then picked up my supplies, was practically pushed out the door (which happened every time—Do I give off an odd vibe?), and left with a polite smile on my face.

Wait, what?

I just suffered a fairly important job rejection, and I didn’t say or do anything about it? Not that I was going to get gangster on her ass and beat the crap out of her or anything, but I left smiling? That’s pathetic. As the South Africans say, “Shame, man.”

What could I have done, though? If I had insisted that I should continue tutoring the kids, I would have just looked like a belligerent ass. If I had flown off the handle, I would have secured a position outside the realm of possibility of ever being invited back. What can you possibly do in a situation like that? You’re staring down the barrel of a rejection, and all you can do is smile at the one wielding it in hopes that they just graze you instead of blowing your dignity all over the wall behind you.

To be honest, I’m not sure where I was headed with this, but I feel we need to open up a dialogue about what I know we’ve all experienced before. So come on and give me some rejection stories and tell me how you dealt with each experience.

11 comments:

Shark said...

I don't know that your dignity was on the line in the first place. It's disappointing, to be sure, but the choice might have been simply a matter of gender (which is something that isn't your fault) rather than skill or affability (which you're assuming it was.) I doubt you lack the second two.

PoetessWug said...

I'm not going there today!! LOL Let sleeping dogs lie! I've got hurricane Earl to worry about!!! ^_^

Twee Poppets said...

I agree with Shark. Plus, they could just be loyal to the first tutor, which is understandable. There's no need to place this on yourself. And yeah, I do think that just smiling is the right thing to do in that situation. It's not like they did anything wrong for you to be mad about, and behaving like a gentleman the way you did makes you the type of guy people are more likely to invite back when they do have the need. So no worries, lovey love! :)

Minima Sapala said...

In my wise old age (of 32) I've been rejected many, many times. By guys, by friends, by social groups, by just about anyone you can name. It hurts every time. But now, looking back at each and every experience I realize that the rejection was just what I needed.

You see, every person/situation that's ever rejected me was something that wasn't in my best interest anyway. I just didn't see it at the time. There have been so many jobs and guys I wanted for my very own and if I had them now I would be miserable.

I believe that rejection is the universe's way of saying, "Oh no young grasshopper. Not for you. Trust me on this one."

Sandman Moon said...

Aw, man, I'm sorry Augustin! Just consider this your training... I'll get some more students for you when I get back!

Shark said...

I second Minima's comment as well "I believe that rejection is the universe's way of saying, "Oh no young grasshopper. Not for you. Trust me on this one.""

Anonymous said...

I am following you on Tuesday Tag-Along from TweePoppets.blospot.com. Please come visit me!

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April said...

i'm following! i feel like rejection in the work place has become way too common place, as if we are all so indispensable. when i had a miscarriage at my job as a warranty agent, i missed a day of work and was FIRED for it.... how unreal has it all become?

best,
april

www.marineparents.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

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Mommy Kerin said...

That's lame man! I would like looked her straight in the face and asked "Did I do something to offend you?". At least then they know that you think their actions are rude.

I'm your newest follower from the Blog Hops.
I hope to see you follow back, I love new blog friends!

I hope you have a great week!
Kerin
hergoodintentions.blogspot.com