“I’ve lost my home, I’ve lost friends, and at times, I’ve lost hope.”

I’ve been doing this for over a year now. I’ve lost my home, I’ve lost friends, and at times, I’ve lost hope.

I know what I’m capable of. I know I have the skills, experience, and work ethic to succeed in so many of the roles I’ve applied for. Yet, more often than not, I’m rejected before I even get the chance to speak to someone. Sometimes it feels like a machine has already decided I’m not good enough. And when I do make it past that stage, I’m often rejected because I’m missing one piece of what they’re looking for. Because I’m not the perfect 10/10 fit.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t get to where I am today by being the perfect fit for every opportunity. I got here by learning, adapting, figuring things out, and putting in the work. That’s how I’ve grown throughout my career, and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do. I’m 40 years old. I’m still eager to learn, still willing to grow, and I’m one hell of a worker. I have a lot to offer, and I know that.

The hiring process today is exhausting. Interviews stretch across weeks or months. Communication goes silent. Rejections feel automated. And somewhere along the way, it feels like we’ve lost the human element of hiring. We’re more than a checklist of qualifications. We’re more than keywords on a résumé. We’re people with experience, potential, families, responsibilities, and a genuine desire to contribute.

I don’t need to be the perfect candidate on paper. I just need someone willing to see what I’m capable of.

After everything this past year has thrown at me, I’m still here. Still learning. Still trying. Still showing up. And I think that should count for something.