I read a blog yesterday that dealt with the feeling of rejection one feels after submitting an application/resume for a new job and never receiving a response. That feeling can be even worse when we actually interview for a position and we don’t hear anything back. “What did I do wrong”, are the words our subconscious repeats. That feeling can go from self doubt all the way to “Well, they’re all a bunch of jerks at that company anyway! It’s great that I didn’t get the job!” But those are only conditioned responses our ego uses to mask the feeling of rejection. The blog I’m referring to tried to put a positive spin on being rejected. But I’m going to try to go further by saying even the word ‘rejection’ should be abolished.

I don’t interview for jobs any longer but I do submit headshots and resumes in the hopes of securing auditions for upcoming shows. And to say I’ve received only a few responses would be an understatement. Occasionally a thoughtful casting agent or artistic producer will write back thanking me for my submission but for the most part I send in my information and never hear a word. But does that mean I’m being rejected? Not necessarily. I like to say I’m a working actor. And yes, there is definitely a little bravado attached to that monicker. I think I should change that to simply, actor. “Working” says, “Unlike a lot of performers out there people are actually hiring me.” Even reading that puts a sour taste in my mouth. And if I’m soured by it I can only imagine what folks think when I say it. Because the truth is we are ALL working actors. Because most of the actors work isn’t on the stage it’s trying to find our next job!  And yes, it is a lot of work. But that is what we signed up for! But how do we handle it when of all work seems to go unnoticed? I for one try to never think it goes unnoticed. I fight that part of my subconscious that wants me to pine, fret, worry, analyze, and get angry because I’ve never received a response. And boy, sometimes it is difficult. It’s easier when you HAVE a job and you don’t get a response, but when you’re looking for a job and receive no responses that’s when our egos want us to suffer and question. But that is when we should be the most assured of our self-worth. The truth is there are many, many reasons why we may have not received a response. And as the blog-writer accurately pointed out, if we never heard from anyone, chances are others didn’t. We are most likely in the majority and not in the minority. That’s a great way to look at it. That’s not to say we don’t continue to strive for excellence in our attempts to land our next gig, it’s just to say that if it doesn’t work out, there will be other opportunities. I know it isn’t easy, but rejection is kind of a fallacy. It simply means that for what ever reason the people who are hiring aren’t interested. But the next people might be. Yes we all want to get positive responses to all our submissions, and we will get some. But we should never ‘need’ a response to validate our choice of profession. I submitted quite a few headshots and resumes over the past couple of weeks and whether I hear anything or not, I’m still thinking, “When the right persons gets my information, I’ll get a response.” 🙂