When You Work So Hard for Something... and Still Don’t Get It

I recently applied for a role I wanted more than anything — Digital Information Technology Asset Manager.

It wasn’t just any job.

It was in my own department.

A role I knew I could step into and deliver from day one.

I’ve built my career, my education, and my experience around exactly this kind of work

I’ve worked hard to gain the qualifications, the knowledge, and the insight to manage technology assets effectively.

I’ve spent years understanding the systems, the processes, and the people.

And yet…

I didn’t get it.

The decision came from my direct senior manager — someone who sees my work every day.

Someone who knows my track record, my reviews from users, and my ability to respond quickly and effectively.

And still, the answer was no.

When you’re told you’re not the right fit for a role you’ve worked so hard to prepare for, your mind spins.

Is it because they don’t think I’m capable?

Because they don’t believe I could do the job well enough?

Because they don’t like me?

Because they don’t see my worth?

My supervisor is always telling me that I’m the “best caller responder” in the department because my role has always been more than that — it’s been about problem-solving, improving processes, and thinking strategically.

I believed those were exactly the skills this role needed.

It’s hard not to take it personally.

It’s hard not to feel cut off, overlooked, and undervalued.

It’s hard not to question everything you’ve worked for.

But here’s what I’m reminding myself:

• Not getting this role doesn’t erase my qualifications.

• It doesn’t erase the years of experience I’ve built.

• It doesn’t erase the fact that I do know how to do this job — and do it well.

• It doesn’t erase my worth.

Sometimes, the decision isn’t about you at all.

Sometimes it’s about timing, politics, or someone else’s vision.

And sometimes, it’s about them not being able to see what you see in yourself.

I’m still disappointed.

I’m still upset.

And I’m allowing myself to feel that.

But I’m also holding onto the fact that this isn’t the end of my story. I’ve worked too hard to let one “no” define me.

If you’ve been here too — if you’ve worked for something and been told no — know that you’re not alone. We keep going. We keep showing up. And one day, the right “yes” will come.

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💬 Have you ever worked so hard for something and still been told “no”?

I’d love to hear your story — reply to this email or comment below. Let’s remind each other that one rejection doesn’t define us.