Do you handle rejection well and do you think it's a factor in successful civilian careers?

The thing about rejection is figuring out why if you can.

Sometimes it's not about you, it's about them.

You may be a good candidate, however they may need a candidate who has a different skill set. If they are already strong in the things you are strong at, it can be overkill. They may need an Operations instead of an Admin. They may need a Black Hat to their White Hat. Sometimes it's about price. Rejection isn't always personal. Sometimes it's just needs based. Sometimes it's square peg, round hole.

There's nothing inherently wrong with rejection. Nothing wrong with saying "I'm not right for this organization." Like working with most tools..."Don't force it. You'll hurt yourself, or break the tool."

Handling rejection at work is difficult for me; but, much easier than handling rejection in my personal life.
Being able to have your ideas rejected or strongly questions without affecting your ability to perform is a useful skill in both the military and corporate work environments.
Personally I handle rejection much better than I used to.

LCpl Brett McMeans : Increasingly poorly, I find. I've not had the success in civilian life I would have hoped. The most discouraging factor to me was how detrimental being in the National Guard really was. Perhaps to some job fields in some areas it's seen as an advantage. But in my experience, the little bit of time I take off is seen as a huge detriment and inconvenience to my current to whomever my current employer was. My current employers were very understanding, but I've also discharged from the armed services, so it is no longer an issue.

Not to mention the reactions I now get when I tell me I'm no longer with the military; that I've honorably discharge upon completion of my original contract. They act like something's wrong with me. I know it cost me at least one job. But what one rejection among 100?

Time to get my ass in school. But ain't nobody got time for that. Very discouraging.

I know, wah wah wah. Poor me. I don't feel sorry for myself, nor do I mean to make excuses for myself. But to answer your question: I don't feel like I'm retaining my ability to handle rejection like the army taught me, mostly because I was a good soldier, and rejection in the military usually just meant the mission changed, not "how the F*** am I going to pay rent". And I have learned better actions and activities that improve my chances, lessons learned from failure. Rejection may be decent education, but I'd rather just have the paycheck.

Edit: re-reading this post, I feel i should re-emphasize that my current employers listed on my profile are very supportive and understanding.