The Impact of Rejection on My Personal and Professional Life

It probably made every major decision in my life. My rejection made me feel like I had something to prove. My whole life I worked towards trying not to be rejected. And tended to do things that I would not have done had I not been living with rejection. At work, I would come in early, and leave late. Always be the one volunteering when that was needed, getting home late not seeing much of my kids and putting myself at risk by driving home later at night, and I did not realise how much this affected my personal life. This realisation only hit me years later when I was looking back at my life and having worked through my rejection.

My earliest memory of rejection was my grandma putting marmite on my cracker bread, knowing full well that my brother loved it and I hated it. And needless to say, he would get mine. He would have 2 and I would have none. This hurt on so many levels and the realisation of that was the starting point of my healing. I had to realise that her being a vindictive person didn’t mean I was worthless. It was a reflection of who she was as a person, and my identity wasn’t based on her opinion of me. Living a life free of rejection – well not completely free, I still fall into the trap. But living a free life helps me to be more true to myself and make decisions based on what is best for me, rather than trying to impress or avoid rejection from others.

Rejection is a painful experience that most people have to deal with at some point in their lives. Whether being turned down for a job, getting rejected by a romantic partner, or experiencing rejection from a family member or friend, the feelings of hurt, disappointment, and inadequacy can be overwhelming.

For many people, rejection can have a profound impact on their personal and professional lives. It can affect their self-esteem, confidence, and sense of self-worth, leading them to make decisions based on a fear of rejection rather than their own desires and needs.

But as Christians, we can find comfort in these words in scripture and the promise of God’s love and acceptance, even in the face of rejection.

Scripture on Dealing with Rejection:

  1. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
  2. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
  3. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
  4. “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'” – 1 Peter 3:14
  5. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

When we experience rejection, it’s important to remember that our identity and worth are not based on the opinions or actions of others.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and our value comes from Him alone.