I have been working with an agency that works with people who have intellectual disabilities as a casual (40-80 hours/2 weeks) for about 8 months. I LOVE my job. Absolutely love it. I love my clients and I love my coworkers.

Last month a temporary position came up for the house I work at. I applied for it. I had my interview yesterday. I know, I know the clients. I’m up against people who haven’t worked in the house before. All my coworkers, even my house manager praised me and said not to worry about not getting the job. “I’m rooting for you”. I was feeling good.

I got the call today. I did not get the job. My house manager explained “because someone scored slightly higher than I did. SCORED? They keep score? It had NOTHING to do with how well you know the clients, how well you get along with them, the relationships I’ve made, what they’re quirks are, how they function. Nothing hands on. I’m in shock. I’m embarrassed, I’m hurt, I’m mad. I have never been good under pressure. I rambled, I stutter, I leave parts out, I can’t collect my thoughts. This other person got the job because she was a better interviewer. Not because she knew new things send one guy into complete panic, because one gentlemen like to go to the local sex shop to get gay porn and not because the other gentlemen is a compulsive liar. I now have to help this women when she starts the position. How am I supposed to feel or react to that? I just finished orientating a new casual. I’m confused.

I sent an email to my house manager asking when I’d hear anything and thanking him for the interview. That was his response.

When he called to tell me I didn’t get the position he said he was “rooting for me” and asked me to keep applying to other possible positions. (This is the first position that’s been posted in the 8 months I worked there.)

I’m floored.

What are your opinions?