How to handle the sting of creative rejection – and maybe grow from it too

Whether it’s a pitch or job application, the creative industries are a natural place to learn rejection. Here’s how to cope with that familiar foe.

Date
2 October 2023

Rejection is a part of life – sadly it’s just not possible for everything to go your way all of the time. It can be painful but it’s also a necessary stopover on the journey to realising your goals. So If You Could Jobs is dedicating a whole guide to the experience, taking creatives through each step of the process, from the initial feeling to how it might aid us in the face of the next opportunity.

“Many of us have at some point experienced rejection in our personal relationships,” writes Sarah Trounce in the guide. “There are also times we might feel excluded or dismissed when searching for new opportunities – whether a place at university, a funding application, an internship, a new job, or a promotion.”

“The most important thing to understand is that rejection happens to everyone, no matter where you are in your life or career. There’s always the chance that you’ll face challenges when it comes to achieving what you want. But, although it might feel tough at first, rejection is actually a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. The trick to dealing with the sting is to acknowledge that it’s a universal experience (you’re not alone in feeling this way) and to remember that you will get past this. Time heals, and in the meanwhile, you can try to understand what was within and outside your control – and what you can take away to come back stronger.”

Read the full guide on the If You Could Jobs Journal.

If You Could is the place to find jobs in the creative industry. It’s a quick and easy way to browse hundreds of roles across the creative industries. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next move, you’ll find new opportunities added daily.

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