The Grind

Application #110 felt like any other.

After trying to break into other industries, I came back to banking and fintech. The space where I had spent most of my career.

It felt like a step back.

Part of me wondered if I had wasted months trying to prove something the market simply didn't see the same way.

Maybe if I had stayed in my lane from the beginning, things would have moved faster.

After months of almost nothing, one process finally started moving.

One interview turned into two.
Two turned into four.
Then six.

Eventually eight.

Every conversation sounded encouraging.
"You'd be a great fit here."
"When you join us…"

They even sent me the company benefits packet.
At some point you start connecting the dots in your head.

All the pieces seem to point in the same direction.

And then one day the update arrived:

"You're not continuing with the recruiting process."

No explanation.
No feedback.

Just… over.

Later I learned the position was never filled. The manager left the company weeks later. In hindsight, I probably dodged a bullet.

But hindsight doesn't soften the moment. It also doesn't pay the bills.

And in that moment all I could think was:

Eight interviews. Nothing to show.