I reapplied for the job role I left in May ’19 last weekend, and was not shortlisted. I was surprised because I felt I met the criteria but then I remembered my exit interview and my experience in another job interview in January ’20. I figured I had burnt my bridges.

Weirdly I was thinking of this role yesterday when my father’s friend was talking about the past. He mentioned that sometimes people go back to places they knew before, but they are drawn to a memory – and the reality is different. Places change. And people too. I am glad I spoke to my father’s friend as I don’t think I would’ve coped with the rejection otherwise.

Instead I redyed my hair, did some more decorating, ran some errands, and got invited to another job interview in an even better place (unexpectedly!).