Dealing with Rejection in Academia: Lessons from The Golden Girls

Find your support network, let out your sass, laugh it off, and pick yourself up.

Author

Alan Santinele Martino
September 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Picture this: you’ve poured months (maybe even years) into a research paper, carefully crafted every sentence, and bravely sent it off to a journal. Today, the decision came back: rejected. Cue the heart-sinking feeling, the self-doubt, and the urge to hide under a blanket. But wait—before you fall into despair, let’s turn to the queens of coping themselves: The Golden Girls.

Yes, the iconic foursome of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia faced their fair share of disappointments, heartaches, and setbacks. So, let’s channel their sass, wisdom, and cheesecake-fueled resilience as we navigate academic rejection. Here are some tips, Golden Girls style:

1. “Picture It:” Acknowledge Your Feelings (Sophia Style)

Sophia: “Picture it, Sicily, 1922…” She’s not just telling stories; she’s processing her emotions. Rejection in academia hurts, so don’t bottle it up. Go ahead and have your Sophia moment: “Picture it, [Your Department], 2024, the day I got that rejection email.” Acknowledge how you’re feeling—whether it’s frustration, sadness, or even a little anger. It’s okay to be disappointed. Grab a slice of cheesecake (or your comfort food of choice) and give yourself some time to sulk. Remember, even Sophia had to process things before moving on to her next wisecrack.

2. “Oh, Come On, Dorothy!” – Let Out the Sass (Like Dorothy)

Dorothy Zbornak’s signature eye roll and sarcastic comebacks are legendary. When rejection strikes, take a page out of Dorothy’s book. Sarcasm can be surprisingly cathartic. Did Reviewer 2 criticize your methodology for the third time? Channel your inner Dorothy and let out a sarcastic, “Oh, because clearly you know more about my research than I do!” Say it out loud, write it in your journal, or vent to a trusted colleague. Sometimes, a little bit of sass can help you shake off the sting and reclaim your confidence.

 3. “Thank You for Being a Friend” – Lean on Your Support Network (Like Rose)

Rose Nylund may be known for her hilariously long-winded stories, but she also taught us the value of friendship. Academic rejection can feel isolating, but remember: you’re not alone. Reach out to your “academic Golden Girls”—your mentors, peers, friends, and anyone who understands the struggle. Share your disappointment, laugh together, and let them remind you that this rejection doesn’t define your worth as a scholar. Just like Rose leaned on her friends for support (even when they teased her), you too can find comfort in your academic community.

 4. “Back in St. Olaf…” – Reflect and Learn (Like Rose)

Rose’s stories of St. Olaf might seem like ramblings, but they always had a lesson buried within. Once the initial sting has worn off, take a moment to reflect on the feedback (yes, even from Reviewer 2). What’s the “St. Olaf” lesson here? Is there something constructive you can use for your next submission? Rejection often comes with valuable insights—hidden within the layers of critique. Reflect, take notes, and remember that every rejection is part of your journey to becoming a better scholar. Rose never gave up, and neither should you.

5. “You’ve Got to Keep Going, Pussycat” – Keep Moving Forward (Sophia’s Wisdom)

In true Sophia fashion, sometimes you’ve just got to look rejection in the face and say, “So what?” The academic road is paved with setbacks, but as Sophia would say, “You’ve got to keep going, pussycat.” Take the lessons learned, revise your work, and move forward. Maybe this journal wasn’t the right fit, but that doesn’t mean your paper isn’t valuable. Pick yourself up, find another journal or conference, and send it out again. Persistence is key, and just like Sophia, you’ve got the grit to keep pushing through.

6. “Eat Some Cheesecake” – Practice Self-Care (Like All the Girls)

If there’s one lesson The Golden Girls taught us, it’s that sometimes you need to take a break, have some cheesecake, and enjoy life. Rejection stings, but it’s not the end of your story. Take care of yourself: watch your favorite show, go for a walk, or treat yourself to something comforting. Allow yourself a little time to recharge and remind yourself that this setback is just a small chapter in your academic journey. The world will keep turning, and there will be more opportunities ahead.

Final Thoughts: “Thank You for Being a Friend”

Rejection in academia is tough, but with a little sass, humor, reflection, and a whole lot of cheesecake, you can get through it. So, when that dreaded rejection email lands in your inbox, just channel your inner Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, or Sophia. Find your support network, let out your sass, laugh it off, and pick yourself up. Because, like the Golden Girls, we’re all navigating the ups and downs together.

Now, excuse me while I go eat a slice of cheesecake.