The reality of the corporate climb: ghosting, rejection, and guilt.

The email I had been waiting for finally arrived at the exact moment I least expected it.

The interview process, which began back in early April, had been an intense journey spanning three rounds of escalation. Because I hadn’t received a formal rejection, I assumed I was still in the running. But as weeks turned into a month of dead silence, my enthusiasm, confidence, and motivation began to deteriorate day by day.

In disbelief and deeply disappointed by the corporate ‘ghosting‘, I forced myself to reset my expectations. I consoled myself with the classic mantra: ‘everything happens for a reason‘. Still, it stung. The excitement, the late-night anxiety, and the extensive preparation required for these high-level interviews meant I had invested a piece of my soul into chasing this ambition. Had it all gone to waste? Or was it just a character-building experience to cherish? Going from a promising ‘you’re a great fit‘ to absolute radio silence makes you question everything. Did I say something terribly wrong? Am I just not good enough to even deserve feedback?

The relieving plot twist

After a grueling two-month wait, a polite, apologetic email finally landed in my inbox from the hiring department.

Even though it was a rejection, it was written with such professionalism and a genuine personal touch that my immediate reaction wasn’t sadness—it was relief. Reading it, I actually felt pleased. Deep down, I felt appreciated, understood, and I finally accepted why I wasn’t the chosen candidate for this specific role.

Then, the reflection set in.

It is a pity how quickly we discount our own worth and jump to the worst conclusions when we are left in the dark.

A part of me was proud that I have gone so far, and a part of me naturally curious about who got the job and where my gaps were. But another part of me was actively imagining what life would have looked like if I had stepped into that new role. Honestly? That second thought made me more nervous than the rejection itself.

Slaying the imposter syndrome monster

It wasn’t a lack of competency that scared me. It was my old friend, imposter syndrome.

I found myself plagued by the pressure of balancing heavy professional demands with motherhood commitments. I worried about how being a present working mother might slow me down in a cutthroat professional arena.

I am a fierce advocate for workplace equality. I truly believe that regardless of gender, we should all compete on a level playing field. This makes competition valid and credible. There is no room for a fast lane or cutting corners just because I am a woman.

But does reality actually allow us, in particularly working parents with young children to compete equally?

Redefining the system and taking the leap

According to an article published by icHhori:

Women possess inherent nurturing qualities, emotional intelligence, maternal influences and have long been entrusted with the role of keepers of child-rearing and parenting. Therefore, they play a vital role in understanding and responding to the emotional needs of their children.

How do we really know if our unique circumstances as primary caregivers are properly considered in modern work environments and provide us the best chance to succeed, both mentally and physically? Are those diversity and inclusion policies actual company practices, or are they just legal statements designed to make employers look good on paper?

For organisations to make opportunities genuinely practical and accommodating, they must move past lip service. True equity means normalising core collaboration hours, offering robust flexible working arrangements by default, and judging output rather than mere ‘presenteeism‘. When corporate leadership models this realistic approach to work-life balance, it trickles down, creating an environment where parenting commitments are not viewed as a career hindrance, but as a normal facet of a diverse workforce.

Finding the courage to leap

Seeing empathetic, relatable role models in senior leadership positions changes the narrative entirely. When we see mothers occupying boardroom seats without sacrificing their family lives, it dismantles the myth that we must choose between career and family. To every woman reading this who is currently doubting her path: do not let the fear of the juggle shrink your ambition. We need to equip ourselves, celebrate our unique multifaceted skill sets, and continue to claim our space at the table.

Ultimately, we must still find the courage to take the leap, even when the net isn’t entirely visible. Setbacks and silence are part of the landscape, but they should never dictate our ceiling. Countless times, I feel the weight of needing to do so much more than just excel at my 9-to-5—to show up fully as a mother, to be a supportive spouse to a husband who has a demanding culinary career, and to save some energy for myself.

But if we do not step forward, the boundaries will never shift. We climb the corporate ladder not by killing ourselves mentally and physically, but by demanding better environments, supporting one another, and boldly pursuing the next adventure anyway.