Dear Younger Fred…I'm sorry to tell you this… you're not going to get that job you just applied for...
And that's okay.
You are exactly where you're supposed to be.
I know this one's going to sting.
You worked so hard — the long hours at the office, all that extra effort — and still, you'll watch others, people who started after you, get promoted while you remain in your role for what feels like forever.
You'll feel left behind… unsuccessful… and ultimately unseen.
You'll start to question your worth, wondering if anyone truly values what you bring.
You'll even try to strong-arm your manager, thinking if you push hard enough, they'll finally see it your way.
You'll build stories in your head about why it isn't happening — and those stories will start to weigh you down and creep into other areas of your life.
(Be careful here.)
But here's the truth: one day, you'll look back and realize it was all meant to be.
I know — easy for me to say.
As the late Steve Jobs put it,
"You can only connect the dots looking backwards."
That so-called "failure" will give you something more valuable than any title — deep human relationships you didn't see coming.
It'll give you space to slow down, to listen, to connect, and to truly understand people — the very thing that will define your career later on… and become your brand.
You'll eventually find your perfect role — one that fits not because of timing, but because of growth… and who you've intrinsically become.
So I'm here to say, Fred…
Be kind to yourself.
Isn't that the advice you'd give someone you loved?
Here's what you'll ultimately take away:
💡 Rejection isn't the opposite of success — it's actually steps toward it.
💡 Every "no" is simply a nudge, guiding you to where you're meant to be.
Don't ask for easy — because as they say… easy come, easy go.
In fact, the best things in life are hard.
And if it's hard — do it hard.
Only then can you be proud at the end of the day.
Chin up and get back out there.
You'll be fine… I just have a feeling.
Baaaaam — that's it for today. See you next Thursday.
Stay curious,
Fred
