>> don't hinge your happiness on something as random as an interview decision
This is easier for senior folks. At some point you just know the rejection was a failure of their interview process and not your ineptitude. I have failed several interviews at different companies where I was one of the best people _in the world_ for the job due to my domain expertise. It's a roll of the dice for everyone, but earlier in my career I did not take rejection well. Now? Honeybadger don't care.
Keep trying, and don’t take it to your heart. The whole interview circus is stupid and everybody knows it. The only people who think they’re the smartest around are the ones who never worked with folks who are truly, freakishly gifted. I’ve been lucky in that regard, so I no longer have any illusions about my intellectual prowess. Over time you will see that intellect isn’t everything, nor does it guarantee success. Stay in the industry, change jobs every 2 years, put yourself in the path of serendipity, and do a good job. Mobility will come eventually.
This is easier for senior folks. At some point you just know the rejection was a failure of their interview process and not your ineptitude. I have failed several interviews at different companies where I was one of the best people _in the world_ for the job due to my domain expertise. It's a roll of the dice for everyone, but earlier in my career I did not take rejection well. Now? Honeybadger don't care.