<p>Not sure if your Mom actually feels that way or whether you are projecting your own self-doubts onto her.</p>
<p>“Failure” is Step One to Success. So, move on, keep going. It’s still very early in the overall game (your life). Don’t want you shooting up any movie theaters.</p>
<p>I’m a recruiter for businesses. Part of my daily duties is informing people that they didn’t get the job or an interview. To be totally honest with you, I don’t feel that many “rejects” are rejects at all, and I hope they don’t feel that way. Many times, it’s not what candidate A lacked, it’s what candidate B did a little better. And it’s usually a little thing, like being better prepared, having more common ground, or having references that are easier to reach and have a conversation with (as opposed to just being able to verify dates of employment).</p>
<p>On the other hand, let’s assume your Mom is right. In that case, run for Congress.</p>
<p>See, there’s something for everyone.</p>