Dealing with rejection -an 18-year olds perspective

Rejection. Even the word sounds harsh. Whether it's not getting into the school you wanted, missing out on a job opportunity, or being turned down for something you really cared about, rejection stings. As an 18-year-old, I’m in this weird phase of life where expectations are high, but reality sometimes falls short. Here's the thing, though: rejection is more than just a bump in the road. It’s a lesson wrapped in discomfort, and it’s something everyone goes through.

1. Rejection Doesn't Define You

When you get rejected, it can feel like the world is telling you that you’re not good enough. But let’s be real: rejection is just one outcome of many possibilities. Whether it’s a college, a job, or any other opportunity, the decision doesn't reflect your worth as a person. Sometimes, it’s just about timing, or someone else was a better fit for that moment.

2. Feel Your Emotions

It’s okay to be upset, angry, or disappointed. Don’t let anyone tell you to just “get over it.” Sit with your emotions for a bit and process what happened. Talk it out with friends, journal your feelings, or even binge-watch your favorite series to take a breather. Just don’t let the disappointment swallow you whole. Feel it, but then move on.

3. Take the Lesson, Not the Hit

The hardest part about rejection is understanding why it happened. Sometimes, there’s no clear reason, and that’s frustrating. But other times, there’s a lesson in there. Didn’t get the job? Maybe your interview skills need work. Passed over for a leadership role? Maybe you need to build more experience first. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, look at it as a stepping stone to getting better.

4. Rejection Builds Resilience

Think about it: some of the most successful people faced rejection. J.K. Rowling, Steve Jobs, and even Michael Jordan all dealt with it. The difference is, they didn’t stop there. Rejection isn’t the end of the story—it’s just a plot twist. The more you experience it, the stronger and more resilient you become. Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.”

5. Shift Your Perspective

When we’re rejected, it’s easy to think we’re losing out on something. But what if that rejection is actually leading you to something better? Maybe the job you didn’t get would’ve made you miserable. Or maybe that school wasn’t the right fit for your personal growth. Sometimes, rejection is just life’s way of pointing us in a new direction, one we might not have considered before.

6. Keep Trying

The only way to overcome rejection is to keep pushing forward. Yeah, it might feel safer to avoid putting yourself out there again, but if you stop trying, you’re guaranteed to miss out. Whether it’s applying for another job, pursuing a new opportunity, or even retrying something that didn’t work out before, don’t give up on yourself. Success is built on persistence.

7. Remember, You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to feel isolated after being rejected, but everyone—literally everyone—goes through it. Talk to people around you, and you’ll quickly find out they’ve had their share of rejections too. Sharing your experience helps put things into perspective and reminds you that rejection is just a part of the journey.


Rejection sucks. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. But the way you handle it is what makes the difference.All we can do is keep showing up, keep trying, and most importantly, don’t let rejection stop you from becoming who you’re meant to be.

Meher Mishra 


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