The Power of Friendships and Finding Hope After Rejection

This morning, I felt called to write about the incredible strength of female friendships and the energy they bring. To the amazing women in my life—you know who you are—thank you. Thank you for lifting me up during a time when I truly needed it. Your encouragement, achievements, and positivity have inspired me more than I can say.

After taking a long break from the traditional workforce to raise my children, I’ve been on a journey to re-enter it. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to take on fulfilling volunteer roles—managing the North Austin Mothers Club website and, more recently, serving on a board where I’ve explored writing, managed websites, and formed meaningful relationships with leaders in my community.

Now, I’m actively working toward returning to a traditional career path. It’s been a learning curve. After submitting several resumes with no response, I connected with a career services coach at the library who helped me craft a focused, one-page resume tailored for today’s job market. She taught me about the importance of keywords and formatting—especially since many companies now use AI to screen applicants before a human ever sees your resume.

A helpful friend even reviewed my resume for a job at his company and referred me, believing I’d be a great fit. Thanks to his help, I landed my first interview—an exciting milestone! It was a panel interview with four people (intimidating!), but I was proud of myself for showing up and navigating it after so many years.

That interview didn’t result in a job offer, but I gained confidence and clarity. I’ve been especially drawn to state government roles—public service appeals to me, and I value the professional development opportunities and benefits. Fast forward to this past Tuesday: I had my fourth and most recent interview with the state. It was for a role that aligned beautifully with my skill set. It offered a rewarding mix of structure, creativity, and the chance to work with and train others—exactly what I’d been hoping for.

By Friday, I received the email: I wasn’t selected. There were seven candidates. I was one of the six who didn’t make the cut. It felt personal. Crushing, even.

That night, I had a large community event to attend. I seriously considered skipping it and throwing myself a little pity party at home. But instead, I chose to go—and I’m so glad I did.

Even with a heavy heart, I walked into a room full of kind and supportive people. As I opened up to a few friends about my experience and the rejection, I received such thoughtful, generous feedback—words of encouragement, helpful suggestions, LinkedIn connections, and offers to pass along my resume. Slowly but surely, I felt my spirit lift.

Those conversations reminded me of the power of connection. The positive energy in that room was real, and it filled my heart in a way that solitude never could. I left feeling a mix of disappointment and hope—but mostly, I felt grateful.

To the women who offered their kindness and light: thank you. You reminded me that even in the face of rejection, there is community, strength, and momentum.

Female friendships are powerful. Positivity is contagious. And this journey—though tough—is far from over.