Do you ever just feel like giving up?

I have had 3 callbacks in the past 2 weeks and not gotten any of them even though I felt great about how I performed. I usually have such thick skin, but lately I feel like maybe I should just give up. The tough part is that I know in my heart and soul that I would be miserable without theatre in my life. Everyone assures me that it has nothing to do with my ability(even people that don't know me. Not just my friends and family) and that my time is coming. I am just worried that it is not going to come for another 10yrs. !!

My question is how do you deal with rejection? It is something that we all have to deal with from time to time ,if not daily, so how do you keep your spirits up?

Honestly, by having faith and knowing that there is always something out there for each and everyone of us. Hang in there, Your time will come. don't give up.

I have a tough time with rejection...I have to admit it.
But I don't think you should give up......I have a feeling that the rejections you're getting aren't because you didn't perform well.....but that they had someone else in mind.....and there is nothing you can do about that!
Keep trying - I know there is something out there for you!!

I wish I had some advice. I remember when I was looking for my first teaching job- I sent SO many resumes, went on SO many interviews (I could have wallpapered my bedroom with rejection letters!) and it was one of the lowest times of my life (never mind that my longtime boyfriend dumped me then too).

I hope you get what you want and that your hard work pays off. You're not alone!

I just kept hoping and for me, I had to accept that I was going to have to work in the city for a little while. I ended up loving it and for me all that rejection was for a reason. There is a role out there that's perfect for you, there has to be!

I think you need to follow your dream. When you first decided to become an actress, someone must have told you then that with it would come a lot of rejection. You should ask yourself what made you decide to keep going after the first person warned you about rejection.

Heidi , first of all I'm so sorry you haven't gotten any roles of late ... these people you are auditioning for are obviously hard of hearing and extremely talentless themselves... which is probably why they aren't performing, and are just the ones critiquing (hey, just trying to help cheer you up )

That said, I am really bad at rejection so I can only imagine how you must feel, and that thought to 'just give up' I'm sure is very tempting after being disappointed of late.

But I think you answered the question for yourself - you said that 'I know in my heart and soul that I would be miserable without theatre in my life' So in essence, you know that a piece of you would be missing if you gave up on performing, and gave up on trying even! You have a passion for something, and you know what it is that makes you happy and fulfilled- that is as much of an achievement as getting your perfect role in a way, since so many of us struggle to find what is is that will make us happy in our careers, and settle for dead end jobs in the process

I can say that from everytime you've posted its obvious that you were 'meant' to pursue this dream .. and that you will not be happy to give that up .. While I'm sure that the rejection takes its toll, I think the alternative (giving up your dreams) will be far worse!

Hang in there , I really have faith in you.. keep the faith in yourself and anyting is possible !

I've been having a really tough time with rejection lately, in regard to getting an internship. I just keep telling myself that things are meant to be, and when the position that is right for me comes along, I will get it. I definitely have my down moments, and I think it's important to let yourself experience them. It's okay to feel sad and defeated, but just remember what's in your heart and I think you'll find the strength to keep trying.

First off,

Rejection feels terrible, no matter what, so be sure to cut yourself some slack and give yourself time to get over the sadness. That's important. After being rejected, many people are hard on themselves, thinking that they could've done better. It's fine to focus on the future and on self-improvement, but please don't beat yourself up over what's past.

I used to work in Human Resources, and I sometimes got phone calls from rejected job candidates. They'd ask why they were rejected. My response was almost always the same, because the truth is that there's almost NO difference between equally qualified candidates a lot of the time. In the case of these auditions, I bet that you had comparable talents and qualifications to the 'accepted' candidates, but that the people who got the roles were an ever-so-slightly better 'fit' for the show. Sometimes these decisions are based on very, very subtle intangibles. This may sound like creepy corporate HR speak, but it's true.

Think about all of those times when you weren't rejected. Think about the people you know who have suffered rejections even though you know they're talented, impressive, smart people. You know that these things can happen. They really suck, but they happen. Keep trying, and believe in yourself!

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Posted by heidla

that my time is coming.

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What is it exactly that you are looking for?

I have been dealing with rejection in my field for the past 2.5 years that I've been looking for a permanent job. I've gotten leaves, but nothing permanent. I am now dealing with my 3rd season of school district interviews - it ***** and I hate it and get very bitter and down, but I still go on - why? Because, like you, I know this is my passion and the job I know that I was meant to have.
It's esp frustrating because in my field, often less qualified people get hired because of gender, racial/cultural background, or that they are the supt's next door neighbor's child You already said yourself though that you know you would be miserable if you didn't do this - and that's why you do it!
Hang in there!!!

Oh Heidi!!!! I am horrible at rejection, so I have no advice, just hugs & support!!!
Keep your chin up!!

I too am terrible at rejection. But, you seem to REALLY love this... and I'm just getting that from online posts so I can only imagine how apparent it is in person. That said, don't give this up until you're ready to do so, if ever. Don't let other people (i.e. the casting directors, etc) dictate whether or not you continue with this. You know how talented you are, and it seems considerably so. So, don't sell yourself short. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to deal with the rejection from these auditions but you really do seem to truly love this. Don't give up until this becomes something that's more of a hassle than it's worth.

I usually say to myself, 'If it doesn't work then it wasn't meant to be'

There is something out there for you, if you didn't get the first part then the RIGHT one for you is still out there.

Don't give up! You've gone this far

Thank you all so much!!!!

You are the bestest!!!!!!!