Let me tell you something you already know.
            
The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.
            
You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.
            
But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done.
            
Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that.
            
One of our readers – let's call her Lauren – just took a right hook to the face. She'll be okay, but we need to give her some encouragement.
            
Here's the email she sent us:
            
I'm in the same situation as Judy right now.
            
The most recent job interview I had badly beat down my confidence, because I thought it was a pretty successful interview. I prepared and responded to all of their questions without any problem. I've run through the entire interview from beginning to end in my head, and there's nothing I could have done wrong.
            
The only reason I can think of is my age.
            
Is it true that a 47-year-old mom will have a difficult time finding a job?
            
Thanks,

Lauren
            
Now, we could sit here and argue all day about the extent to which Lauren's age is an issue. But here's the simple truth: 47-year-old moms get hired all the time. So Lauren's age isn't the problem here.
            
Is it possible that the hiring manager preferred someone younger?
            
Perhaps.
            
It's also possible that the candidate who won the job was *older* than Lauren.
            
Don't scoff. We receive messages every week from Daily Success Boost readers in their fifties, sometimes in their sixties, who beat younger candidates and landed a job – simply because they have more to offer.
            
Here's what is more likely:
            
The hiring manager decided to not hire Lauren for a reason that has NOTHING to do with her value as an employee.
            
Perhaps the hiring process was cancelled at the last minute. (For reasons I explained in a previous email, hiring managers often get cold feet.)
            
Maybe the interviewer was torn between Lauren and another candidate who performed just as strongly as she did – someone who also happens to read my newsletter – and the balance was tipped by some minor factor.
            
What does this mean?
            
Lauren needs to get back onto her feet and step into the ring again.
            
Apply for more jobs.
            
Attend more interviews.
            
Keep acing interviews (like it sounds like she's doing now).
            
These setbacks happen, there's nothing you, Lauren, or I can do about them, other than to take them on the chin and keep on moving forward.