--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But instead I am applying for a job as an…" description: "\"But instead I am applying for a job as an elf. Even worse than applying is the very real possibility that I will not be hired, that I couldn't even fin..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/david-sedaris-333_failure_but-instead-i-am-applying-for-a-job-as-a_835274.png" --- # But instead I am applying for a job as an elf. Even worse… ![“But instead I am applying for a job as an elf. Even worse than applying is the very real possibility that I will not be hired, that I couldn't even find work as an elf. That's when you know you're a failure.” quote by David Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/david-sedaris-333_failure_but-instead-i-am-applying-for-a-job-as-a_835274.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/david-sedaris-333_failure_but-instead-i-am-applying-for-a-job-as-a_835274.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/david-sedaris-333_failure_but-instead-i-am-applying-for-a-job-as-a_835274.png) > “But instead I am applying for a job as an elf. Even worse than applying is the very real possibility that I will not be hired, that I couldn't even find work as an elf. That's when you know you're a failure.” [David Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-sedaris/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He likens applying for a fantastical job to feeling like a failure when unable to secure any employment, highlighting insecurity. **In simple terms:** Applying for a job feels like confirming failure. Key Takeaway Accept that setbacks don’t define worth. Themes self‑doubt career anxiety identity crisis Mood anxious reflective Type personal motivational When to use this quote - Job hunting - self‑esteem work - coping with rejection Key Concepts Impostor syndrome social expectations fantasy vs reality Questions to Reflect On - What practical steps can improve employability? - How can one reframe rejection? A Different Perspective Focusing on fantasy can distract from real opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Applying Job](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/applying-job-595237/) [Elf Know](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elf-know-595238/) [Elf Worse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elf-worse-595236/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Humorous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humorous/) [Instead Applying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instead-applying-595239/) [Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jobs/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Possibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possibility/) [Real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real/) [Work Elf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-elf-595235/) ## Related quotes > [Imagine that everything you are typing is being read by the person you are applying to for your first job. 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