#StartupStruggles #JobSearchJourney #Resilience
Hey everyone! 😊 Lately, I’ve been feeling a little down and I just wanted to open up about my journey in the startup world. We all know that startup life is tough, right? Sometimes it feels like I’m a soldier who’s been through the wringer—battered and bruised, but somehow still finding the strength to get back up. 💪
So, here’s the deal: I’ve been applying for startup jobs for months now, but it’s been a rollercoaster of near-misses. I often make it to the final stage, only to be met with unexpected twists that lead to rejection. Here’s a glimpse into my recent experiences:
- “You have a great profile, but we already went ahead with another candidate.”—due to a postponed case study.
- Three rounds of successful interviews, then: “We’ve decided to freeze the position for now.”
- A message from the founder: “I believe you’ll succeed, but we went with someone with more specific experience.”
- A great chat with another founder: “We’re still defining our sales topics, but I’ll get back to you.”
- A mutual connection said: “Sorry, the role is in London and you lack a work permit.”
- Some calls just go ghost on me.
The frustrating part? I have a solid background with a master’s from Germany’s top university, experience at a YC startup, and a mix of internships in business and sales. I’ve done the self-evaluation to check if I’m aligned with what companies want. Yet, I still face these roadblocks. 😩
As an international student, it’s even tougher. I sometimes wonder if these rejections are some cosmic hint, but I can’t help but apply, hoping for a breakthrough. All I can do is prep thoroughly for each interview and leave the rest to fate.
Yet, I try to remind myself of the beautiful moments in life; maybe all these challenges are just stepping stones to something greater. 🚀
So, I’m curious—how do you all handle rejection in your job search or startup endeavors? Have you faced similar struggles? What strategies help you stay resilient? Let’s chat! 🙌
Unfortunately, applying for startups jobs and getting surprised by how quickly things can change is sort of like running into a tornado getting surprised about the wind.
Maybe you should aim for a more stable industry to build a CV?
I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through this—it sounds incredibly frustrating. It’s tough when you’re putting in so much effort and getting so close, only to face setbacks. The reasons for the rejections you’ve listed seem so out of your control, and that must be really disheartening.
From what you’ve shared, it’s clear you have a strong profile and a lot of great experience. It’s not a reflection of your abilities or worth. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing, fit, or factors beyond our control.
Being an international student adds another layer of difficulty, and I can imagine how challenging that must be. But your resilience and positive attitude are impressive. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to prepare and put your best foot forward.
Hang in there and keep pushing forward. Sometimes the path is winding and uncertain, but it often leads to something even better. Keep reminding yourself of the good things in your life and stay hopeful. Your perseverance will pay off eventually.
Sending positive vibes your way and hoping that the right opportunity comes along soon
I can only speak for startup culture in the US. In general, for early stage companies the job description is pretty fluid and most CEOs hire opportunistically rather than a formal process of interviews. Because the team composition makes up a large part of the startup’s success to reach the next funding stage, the CEO/hiring manager has to “fall in love” with you, regardless of qualifications on paper. You’ll also spend more time together than with your own family, so it makes sense.
Ignore the resume for a second. If you prove to the CEO/hiring manager that you can solve a bunch of huge problems or fill several gaps the company has, and do it without much guidance, then you have a job.
Best way to prove this before being hired is showing off your past projects, successes, or portfolio.
I don’t care what school you come from – if your portfolio is crazy good I want to hire you.
it’s time to start your own then! 🙂
I have no advice because I’m on the battlefield getting beat up myself. And you’re right – this journey we decided to take is ridiculously difficult. We work harder than anyone but sometimes all we get is nowhere. I’ll tell you what I’ve been telling myself and maybe it helps some.
First things first – DO NOT I repeat do not compare yourself to others…. that will kill your enthusiasm quicker than anything. esp those who have “made it” already… Their journey is not your journey.
Remember your first success is always going to be the hardest by far. Things will get faster from there.
I like to remind myself that no amount of success, striving and achievement replaces my true purpose in life – so ive made my highest achievement already. Trite as it sounds as a human your one job is to be a light in a dark place.. How you make people feel is your greatest legacy and responsibility. If you’re already doing that you’ve already surpassed like 90% of people.
Full disclosure after reminding myself of this I still struggle to totally let go of my deep need to achieve something great and exciting. Untieing my achievements from my value is something I’m working on.
this one is quite personal…I believe life will “pull” at you, like “go there! Or “get out!” or “get away from this person” I don’t ignore that voice no matter how crazy it sounds at times. You know what? When doors close it’s because you simply don’t belong there. No luck getting those roles? Good! They were wrong for you anyway.
When things are especially hard, take one hour at a time.. Don’t look ahead further than that. Literally one hour at a time.
Whatever you want, pursue it. Keep going! Don’t let any amount of rejection stop you or make you question your right to try. Maybe forward movement isn’t meant to be fast all the time. You know those little trees that grow out of rocks? That’s you. Just give yourself some time to grow 🙏
Your time will come! Keep pushing forward and the opportunity that is meant for you will find its way to you!