How to Give Sympathy For a Lost Opportunity or Job
"The phoenix must burn to emerge." - Janet Fitch
See also: How to Offer Comfort or Give Sympathy
Start Here
Anyone who has ever tried anything worth trying knows that there are missed opportunities along the way.
It’s important to remind them that there will be other opportunities, but be careful not to invalidate their feelings of disappointment and rejection.
Get them excited about the next job or opportunity.
Acknowledge their feelings and experience. It's okay to express that this situation is tough, and feeling a range of emotions is normal.
Encourage them to take time to process their feelings. It’s important for healing and moving forward.
Remind them of their strengths and past achievements. This can help rebuild their confidence.
Discuss the idea that every end can lead to new beginnings. Sometimes, unexpected turns can open up new paths and opportunities.
Offer to help review their resume or connect them with your network. Practical support can be very valuable during this time.
Encourage them to explore new interests or skills they might have wanted to develop. This could be a good time for personal growth.
Suggest staying open to different opportunities, even those outside their usual scope. Flexibility can lead to surprising and fulfilling outcomes.
Remind them that seeking support from friends, family, or professionals is okay.
No one has to navigate tough times alone.
Talk about the value of resilience and persistence. Share stories of people who faced setbacks and later found success in unexpected ways.
Lastly, let them know you’re there for them, not just for this conversation but as they move forward.
Talking Points
This is super tough, and it's totally normal to feel all sorts of things right now.
You're not alone in this.
Take your time to just be. Feeling down or confused is part of the deal, and it's okay to just let yourself feel whatever.
You’ve been through rough patches before and always managed to find your footing. This is just another one of those times.
Life has a funny way of surprising us. Who knows? This might just be a nudge towards something amazing you haven't thought of yet.
Do you need help sprucing up your resume or want to chat with some folks I know? I’m here to help.
Talking things out can really help, whether it's with me, someone else you trust, or a pro. You don't have to go through this solo.
You’ve got this incredible knack for bouncing back. I’ve seen you do it. I’m all in on team you.
Just remember, I’m here for the long haul. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’ll tackle it together.
Great Comeback Stories
J.K. Rowling: Before becoming one of the world's most successful authors, Rowling faced numerous rejections from publishers. Her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was turned down by 12 publishing houses before Bloomsbury took a chance on it. Rowling's perseverance turned a series of rejections into a global phenomenon, inspiring millions.
Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln's early life and political career were marked by failures and setbacks. He lost several elections before becoming the 16th President of the United States. His leadership during one of America's most challenging periods, the Civil War, and his efforts to pass the Emancipation Proclamation, cemented his legacy as one of America's greatest presidents.
Walt Disney: Before creating the empire that bears his name, Disney faced several career setbacks. His first animation company went bankrupt, and he faced skepticism and criticism over his ideas. However, his persistence led to the creation of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland, revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
Albert Einstein: Regarded as one of the greatest physicists of all time, Einstein's early career was fraught with difficulties. He struggled to find a teaching position and worked as a patent clerk while developing his theories. His perseverance paid off when his theory of relativity transformed our understanding of the universe.
Colonel Harland Sanders: The founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken faced rejection hundreds of times before finding success. Sanders started franchising his chicken business at the age of 65, after receiving over a thousand rejections for his chicken recipe. His perseverance eventually built a global fast-food empire.
Vera Wang: Before becoming a renowned fashion designer, Wang was a figure skater and journalist. She entered the fashion industry at the age of 40, after failing to make the U.S. Olympics team and being passed over for the editor-in-chief position at "Vogue." Her bridal wear has since dominated the industry.
Michael Jordan: Considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. He used this rejection as motivation to work harder, eventually dominating the sport with six NBA championships and numerous MVP awards.
Lucille Ball: Before becoming a television icon with "I Love Lucy," Ball was considered a failed actress and dubbed "Queen of the B Movies." Her persistence in the entertainment industry paid off when she broke through to become one of America's most beloved comedians.
Soichiro Honda: The founder of Honda was turned down for an engineering job by Toyota. Instead of giving up, he started making motorbikes in his workshop. His work eventually led to the creation of Honda Motor Co., one of the largest automobile and motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Sylvester Stallone: Stallone faced numerous rejections in his attempt to sell his script for "Rocky" and insisted on playing the lead role. He was offered money for the script alone but refused to sell unless he starred in the film. "Rocky" went on to become a huge success, earning him international acclaim.
J.R.R. Tolkien: "The Lord of the Rings" was initially rejected by several publishers before becoming one of the best-selling novels ever written. Tolkien's perseverance in finding a publisher has influenced countless readers and spawned a major film franchise.
