The Empty Chair at the Interview – A Story About Rejection, Self-Worth, and the Courage to Try Again

Keywords: failure, rejection, self-worth, not giving up, emotional healing, inspiring short story, resilience, courage, daily life struggles, stories that heal

 

When You Start Questioning Your Worth

There are days when you give your best
And it still doesn’t work out.

You show up. You prepare. You try.
But the answer is no. Or worse… silence.

It starts to make you wonder:
“Am I even good enough?”

Today’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt unseen after giving their all.

 

The Empty Chair at the Interview

Samar had been job hunting for months.

Every day, he sent out resumes. Every week, he got one or two callbacks.
He’d dress up, practice in the mirror, rehearse his answers.

And every time he heard the same thing:

“You’re great… but we went with someone else.”

It hurt.

Because Samar wasn’t just trying to get a job—he was trying to rebuild his life.
After losing his last one due to layoffs, his confidence had already cracked.

But he kept showing up.

One morning, after yet another rejection email, Samar stared at the calendar.

There was one more interview that day.
A big one. A company he admired.

But something in him whispered,
“Why go? They won’t choose you anyway.”

He stared at his suit. At his tired face in the mirror.
Then he whispered back, “I’ll go. Even if all I do is sit in the chair.”

 

And So He Went

He didn’t ace the interview.

He was honest. Nervous. Real.
He even admitted how defeated he’d been feeling.

But before he left, he said something quietly:

“I just wanted to keep showing up… even when it felt pointless. Because I don’t want to forget what I’m capable of.”

He thought nothing of it.

A week later, he got a call.

Not only did they remember him—they said his honesty moved them.
They offered him the job.

 

Why This Story Matters

Samar didn’t get hired because he was flawless.

He got hired because he kept showing up when it was hardest.
Because he was real. Brave enough to not give up—even when rejection felt personal.

And maybe… that’s what true courage looks like.

 

Take This With You Today:

You are more than your failures.

You are not defined by the closed doors or the missed chances.
You are defined by the fact that you still try.
That you still show up.

Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re tired.
Even when you don’t feel seen.

That’s strength.

 

Healing Reminder for You

If you’ve been hearing “no” a lot lately…
If you feel like giving up… please don’t.

One day, someone will say yes.
But even before they do you are worthy.
Right now. As you are.

 

Life Lesson: Your Worth Isn’t Measured by Rejection

Every time you try again, you prove something beautiful:

That failure didn’t break you.

It built you.

 

A Note from Niks:

This story reminded me of the times I kept going even when everything in me said, “Why bother?”
And I’m so grateful I did.

If you’re in that space now, this is your sign to keep going.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up.

 

Let’s Talk:

Have you ever faced a season of rejection or silence but kept going anyway?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Your courage could be the reason someone else decides not to give up today.