Feeling defeated close to graduation
I’m about two weeks out from graduating from college and I feel too stressed and upset to even appreciate it. After making it to the final round interview, I just got rejected for a job I really wanted. I feel defeated, anxious about the job search (this was the best lead I had, I have no other interviews scheduled), and also embarrassed because a lot of my friends and family knew how excited I was to have made it that far.
I admittedly have not been applying to as many jobs as I probably should be, and I scaled way back prior to this interview because I was using all my free time to prepare. Also embarrassing, but I feel like im mourning the life I imagined if I had gotten this job, from the office location, to my LinkedIn post, to outfits I’d buy for work.
This job was truly top tier, so telling myself im meant for something better feels like a lie. Also, that major stressor would have been lifted, and now I feel like I can’t even enjoy these last few weeks on campus with this still looming over me. I feel like everyone I know has a job lined up, but I know a lot of people are/have been in my situation too. I was hoping for some words of encouragement from anyone who has gone through something similar.
Posted May 1, 2026, 5:52 PM UTC