It’s Not The Right Path For You

While in between jobs, I’ve been looking for contract work. I came across an FP&A Manager position. I applied and was asked to do a phone interview. I was sure that I was a great fit for the position based on my recruiting and FP&A skills which were a match for the job requirements and that I would continue in the process. I also felt that the company name and experience would look good on my resume. That job was mine. Two days later, the recruiter contacted me and left me a voicemail stating that the client would be passing on me because although they liked me on paper, they felt that they were having to pull answers from me.

I was shocked when I got the message. I reacted like my inner teenager that didn’t get attention from the popular kids. I thought, Why wasn’t I good enough for them? I am drawn to what I couldn’t have or what didn’t want me. I spoke to the recruiter and asked if they would explain to the client that there may have been a misunderstanding because I didn’t want to ramble on about my experience while on the phone. Phone interviews are difficult because you cannot see the person’s reaction. That morning I had been rejected from another position as well. Then later my car battery mysteriously died, even though the dealer couldn’t find anything wrong with the battery.

I had texted my friend to tell her what had happened.

She said, “Well if they don’t want you, neither do you.”

“I did ask the recruiter to revisit, but you’re right.”

“Well ask the recruiter to revisit, but don’t get all hung up on it. Keep moving forward.”

“You are right! Thanks!”

Later that day I texted her again. “And I just got rejected again from another position. Well. There’s only one direction now!”

“You are not being rejected but redirected.”

I love my friend because she had the best response. “What you said about redirected is awesome! Thank you!”

I received an email from the recruiter the next day stating that the account manager had tried to get the client to revisit me as a candidate, but the client said that they had two candidates they were moving forward with.

I replied, “Thanks for trying. If they don’t want me then we’re not a fit, and I don’t want them either.”

A few days later, I went salsa dancing at Lucky Strikes. The room had several new faces, which was unusual and nice. A man about 6’1″, who my friend later referred to as “a tall drink of water” approached me and said, “Would you like to dance?”

“Yes.” I didn’t know where he was from, but he had great salsa moves.

After a few more songs, he approached me again to dance. This time, a bachata song was playing. Again, he had smooth moves. I said, “You are good.”

“Thanks.”

“Where are you from?”

“Colombia.”

My eyes lit up. “Me too. My father is Colombian.”

“Where?”

“Cali.”

“He mentioned he was from another city and then said with a smile, “Ya tu sabes.” (“You know.”)

We continued to dance, and I took a chance and said, “You know I am looking for a salsa partner, so if you are interested?”

He looked at me and said, “I don’t live here. I live in Virginia Beach.”

[Insert scene from French Kiss where Kate (Meg Ryan) realizes her suitcase, clothes, and vitamins were thrown away by the thief.]

The fact is I’ve been redirected a ton in my life, even when something seemed so right for me. Although it can be frustrating as hell, even devastating, it’s also what makes my life interesting and exciting. I then remind myself that everything happens for a reason and it leads you to where you are supposed to be. I don’t let it stop me in my tracks. I turn around and try a different direction. It’s not the right path for you, but you are closer to where you are supposed to be.