22 Comments

Robin, you won't believe but the exact same thing happened with me. After finishing my graduation is Law applied for Master's programmes because everyone has been telling me since long that I'm really well suited for Academia. I took that suggestion to heart, and was anticipating a complete breakdown if I get rejected. But when the rejection happened, there was a sense of relief in my heart, and eventually I realised I won't be happy in academia, even as I'm "well-suited" for it. I made up my mind to do practice as a Lawyer, started this Substack, and for the first time I feel certain about what I wanna do in life, career-wise. :)

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Awesome! Best of luck with practicing Law and keep us posted along your journey!

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Thanks you so much! The legal part of the journey's gonna be a bit boring. The literary part you can find on my Substack :)

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Robin, it’s amazing how you turned rejection into clarity and excitement! Congrats on the TEDx Oxford invite—can’t wait to see what’s next!

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Best reaction. I will wait patiently for all the things to come; I’m sure they’ll be awesome. 🤩🤩

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Robin, good energy coming from this post, I loved it. Been through my fair share amount of school application processes, I know the anxiety, and I know the drill of getting from one degree to another and missing the time to actually think about what one actually want. I am happy to see you now have the chance to do all that. Stay true to your self, stay free and liberated, and continue to produce. We as your subscribers will be on the other side of the screen to support what you do.

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This short piece is a fantastic example of the fluidity of finding your place in the world. People like to imagine life, plan ahead, as if it's a straight journey from step 1 to step 2 and beyond, but the reality is much more as you have described. An ever-evolving picture that sort of paints itself as you go, filled with many twists, turns and unexpected surprises. Good luck with everything the future has planned for you!

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Great! I am so happy for you, Robin!

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Oh goodness, I withdrew from my PhD last month and felt exactly the same as you. Joy and relief waved its way into better sleep patterns and better blood work! I’m over the moon to feel better and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

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Yeah, right?! Good on you for leaving at the right time, and good luck with this new chapter filled with better health and excitement!

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As on door closes another door opens. Maybe in the future, when the time is right you will go on and do your PHD but for now there are plenty of things coming your way that will allow you to share what you are passionate about and I for one loom forward to following your journey.

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Thanks, Richard! Really excited to see where this new chapter will lead.

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I’m looking at a possible new chapter as well as I’m seriously thinking about starting writing and maybe starting my own Substack. I have no idea what I’ll write about but I think it’s time.

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Hit me up soon with a Zoom call if you need some help, Richard! Shoot me an email.

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Shocking you didn’t get in. Obviously their loss.

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I’ve the best subscribers fr.

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Aww, I'm so happy for you, Robin. Your response to the rejection said all you needed to know. I'm so excited for your next chapter!

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Come down to Melbourne and let's have a literary summer!

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Perth has better beaches 💅 (sounds great!)

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Like the great Rick Rubin said, “All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now. If you have an idea you're excited about and you don't bring it to life, it's not uncommon for the idea to find its voice through another maker.”

Keep creating for yourself and let us stuff our intellect with your insights! Love what you’re doing Mr. Waldun!

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Rick Rubin's absolutely on the money with that one. Also thank you for your kind words Christopher. :)

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You have worked hard :)

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