#24 Rejected: Hold On or Move On

Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself entirely to my work, believing that my effort and dedication would open doors to new opportunities within the organizations I have been part of. Like many of us, I have invested time and energy, hoping that recognition and opportunities will naturally result from hard work. However, I recently learned a harsh lesson about how corporate policies and business decisions can profoundly impact our lives and careers.

The Myth of “Never Giving Up”

The culture of "never giving up" encourages us to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are stacked against us. However, at what cost should success be pursued? Sometimes, the pursuit of success demands sacrifices that affect not just individuals but also their families and personal lives. When the path we choose is misaligned with the harsh realities of corporate policies that can negatively impact lives, we must ask ourselves: Is achieving success worth any price? How far are you willing to go? Can you afford to pay this price?

The line between persevering and realizing that a chosen path may not be right can be finer than we imagine. It’s important to consider the personal toll that unrelenting ambition can take and whether the sacrifices made are truly justified.

Business decisions, often made from a limited perspective or with specific interests, can change the course of our lives in an instant. What could have been an opportunity for personal and professional growth becomes a closed door that never opened.

When is the Time to Give Up?

Accepting reality does not mean giving up in the traditional sense. Instead, it means recognizing that sometimes effort does not always lead to the desired outcome. It is crucial to evaluate whether the current path is worth it and whether the effort invested will lead to personal and professional satisfaction.

Business decisions, often made without considering their impact on people, can redefine careers and sometimes lead one to question whether all the effort was in vain. Acceptance or rejection in a work situation affects a person’s career and can significantly impact their emotional well-being and personal stability.

Business Decisions: Based on What?

Business decisions are often based on metrics and financial data to maximize profits and efficiency. However, they can also be influenced by favouritism and personal agendas, adding injustice to the process.

In theory, these decisions should focus on what is best for the business, but this does not always translate into long-term benefits. An approach that only considers profits may ignore the value of human resource, which is essential for sustainable success. Actual progress is achieved when companies value and motivate their employees, fostering loyalty and innovation.

How to Treat Employees?

Organizations must recognize that their employees are their greatest resource. Treating employees with respect and giving them opportunities to grow is essential. Companies should create an environment where talent and effort are fairly rewarded, and people feel valued and heard.

Fostering an environment where decisions are made transparently and fairly benefits employees and strengthens the organization as a whole. By providing real development opportunities and recognizing human potential, companies can retain their best talents and ensure a brighter future for everyone.

Trust That Everything Happens for a Reason

Although facing the reality of corporate policies can be discouraging, it is important to trust that things happen for a reason. Sometimes, what seems like a setback can be a redirection to something better. Maintaining faith that every experience is an opportunity to grow and learn can turn challenges into new possibilities.

How to Rebuild Yourself?

• Recognize Reality: Accepting that some battles cannot be won is not a sign of weakness but of maturity and self-understanding.
• Redefine Success: Reflect on what success truly means to you. Do not let business decisions dictate your happiness and personal satisfaction.
• Seek Support: Talk to trusted colleagues and friends. Sometimes, an external perspective can offer clarity and a new direction.
• Focus on Self-care: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Engage in activities that recharge you and bring you joy.
• Explore New Opportunities: Feel free to seek new paths and directions. Rejection can be necessary to find a more suitable and satisfying path.
• Learn from Experience: Every challenging experience carries a lesson. Reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply it to improve in the future.

The path to success is neither linear nor fair, but that does not mean you should settle for less than you deserve. Accepting reality is not giving up; it is a way to open new doors and opportunities you may not have considered. In a world where corporate decisions can change lives instantly, the key is to stay true to yourself and find the path that leads you to personal success.