What to do when you do not get the job

How to get motivated again when you don’t get the role

The Acting world is harsh, hurtful and full of loads of rejection – that’s the truth of it. Believe me though, even knowing that it never gets easier when you don’t get that dream role which you have put so much effort in to getting.

The depression isn’t about anything, it’s not about ‘woe is me’. It’s like the worst flu all day and you can’t kick it

Robbie Williams

I’ve been there time and time again. Just last year I was auditioned for a great role in a new series for BBC, I read really well, I have a great relationship with the casting director and I met the director and we seemed to hit it off – however I didn’t get the job. All that work, all those dreams and it all came to nothing. I was left feeling empty and down.

Another time I was called in for a lovely comedy role in a big musical – it had been years since I had done musical theatre so I invested in a good singing teacher to take me through the songs. I even had a mock audition with the casting director as she knew I would be green when it came to musical castings. I was called back for a few recalls, everything was going great – it was down to me and one other actor – the call came through and they had gone with the other guy.

I was gutted, I had worked myself up and started believing the job was mine.

I just felt as though I would never be happy again, and as if I had fallen into a big black hole

Brooke Shields

Its very easy to become depressed when you are rejected for an acting role. You don’t have to be clinically depressed for it to effect you, even just feeling like you are trapped in a rut can be depression.

It can be hard to get on with life, you just want to stay in bed – just getting out of bed and showering can seem like a huge effort.

At these times you absolutely need to stay motivated. At your lowest points it is vital you continue to live your life and work towards feeling better once again.

Here are some really simple ways you can motivate yourself on a daily basis.

Motivational Tips when you are feeling low

Don’t kick yourself

It takes time to start feeling like your old self again after a big knock.

You won’t feel better overnight, so don’t start being critical of yourself if you are not feeling better quickly.

Allow yourself some recovery time and don’t be hard on yourself – you are already having a hard enough time without getting on your own case!
Stay Realistic

Stay realistic with your recovery.

Start with small baby steps and small positive changes and work up from there.

Not being realistic is just going to leave you frustrated and that will lead to you feeling more down.
Don’t be alone

If you are down, upset or depressed it sometimes feels like the best place to be is by yourself but belive me this is not going to help you escape your depression.

Surround yourself with people, with friends, family, peers. If someone offers a helpful hand, take it.

To start feeling normal again it is great to talk to people about how you are feeling and welcome the inspiration, advice and kind words that others have to offer. Don’t shut everyone out, welcome them in.
Get Active

Force yourself to get up and about, even if you just want to lay in bed watching ‘This Morning’ or wallow on the sofa with some Kettle Chips and The Loose Women!

Force yourself to get up and go out for a short walk, or just out into the garden. You will help yourself to feel better both physically and mentally. Wallowing in your own pity is just giving you more time to feel bad about things.
Start a new project

Focussing on a new project can really help you to start feeling better about yourself.

Give yourself something new and enjoyable to do – even if it is just bake a batch of cupcakes! An activity will take your mind away from the depression and you’ll end up with something you can be proud of.
Make a plan

Every morning write down an achievable list of what you are going to do that day, down to the smallest chores.

In the evening check off what you have done.

This might seem daft, but it really is the best way I know of regaining a sense of control over your life again at a time when it might seem chaotic.

Recovering from a rejection is hard work but it is possible. Slow and steady progress will help you start feeling yourself again and optimistic about the future.