I recently interviewed for a part time job but didn’t get it. I’ve been really upset since then as I also don’t know what I should try next during the break before university. I have been feeling helpless and uncertain for 3 to 4 days, and have been crying every day. I feel fatigued and I don’t feel like eating or doing my hobbies. This feels like a downward spiral. Is there something wrong with me?
Hey @user863778. I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Job rejections can hit much deeper than we expect, especially it sounds like you were hoping it would give you some direction during this break. Sometimes a “no” can easily feel like a judgement on our worth and our future, and that can feel very overwhelming.
Nothing you’ve shared suggests that something is inherently “wrong” with you. It sounds more like your mind and body are responding to disappointment, uncertainty and pressure all at once and that is showing up as feeling helpless, exhausted and unmotivated. Those reactions can be really distressing, but they are also very human responses to a tough experience.
Sometimes when we’re in a transition period like a break before uni, there’s a lot of pressure to “use the time well” and when one plan doesn’t work out, it can make everything feel meaningless or out of control.
I also want to acknowledge how thoughtful and reflective you are, even while feeling so low. Reaching out and naming what you’re experiencing takes courage.
I hope you can be gentle with yourself in the days ahead and remember that this moment doesn’t define your worth or your future, okie? You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Taking small steps and being kind to yourself is more than enough 
Thank you so much for your response. I really needed to hear that. I just feel under pressure to keep looking for other jobs even when they don’t feel like the best fit. I just don’t know what to do right now.
Hey @user863778 . I hear you. It sounds really tough to feel pressure to keep searching for jobs when nothing feels like the right fit. Feeling unsure and stuck in moments like this is completely understandable, okie? Even when it feels like you “should” be doing something, it is completely okay to slow down and check in with yourself. You don’t have to rush into the next thing just because of pressure from outside or inside yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself permission to pause and focus on what feels manageable, rather than trying to force something.
Please be gentle with yourself. Small steps, self-care and giving yourself space to breathe matter just as much as action
I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. And no, there isn’t something “wrong” with you. What you’re describing sounds like a very human response to disappointment, uncertainty, and suddenly having too much empty space to sit with your thoughts.
Not getting the job can sting more than people expect, especially when it was something you were hoping would give structure, purpose, or reassurance about what comes next. When that falls through, it can shake your confidence and leave you feeling untethered. The crying, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pulling away from hobbies don’t mean you’re broken, they’re common signs of emotional overload. Your system is tired.
It also makes sense that this feels like a downward spiral. Right now, you’re grieving both the rejection and the lack of direction during this break. When there’s no clear “next step,” your mind can turn inward and start being harsh, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.
A few gentle things to keep in mind:
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Feeling stuck for a few days doesn’t mean you are stuck.
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Rejection hurts, even if it was “just” a part-time job.
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Losing motivation temporarily doesn’t mean you’ll never get it back.
For now, it may help to lower the bar. You don’t need to figure out your whole break or your future. Try focusing on very small anchors, regular meals (even something light), stepping outside once a day, or doing one neutral activity that doesn’t require enthusiasm. Sometimes stability comes before motivation, not the other way around.
You’re not weak for feeling this way. You’re just going through a moment that’s heavier than you expected. And moments like this do pass, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. You got this, cheering you on from here!
Dear @user863778
Thank you for reaching out here. I am sorry to hear that you interviewed for the role and did not get the job you had tried for.
Understandably you are feeling disappointed and demoralised and can’t help but think it’s because there is some aspect of you which is lacking.
Do know that this experience of feeling hopeful and then not getting the role is something many of us have gone through. Sometimes, although you are the most qualified, but for reasons known only to the hirer, they choose another candidate. It happens more often than we realise. This is not a failure on our part, so please do not be discouraged.
May I gently recommend for you to write down some of the questions asked and what your responses were. This is purely for your own learning and to prepare for future interviews. Pick up some new skills too along the way such as marketing or computer skills, this could help you qualify for more roles. Do some research on good interview techniques too. I think you can only get better so stay optimistic!
Please continue to apply for other roles. Keep on trying and going for interviews to build your interviewing skills, and confidence.
I sincerely believe there is bound to be a suitable role for you the more you try so do to keep going. If possible ask friends, teachers and family if they have any referrals or recommendations.
May I gentle encourage you to keep your chin up as you take tiny steps forward!