California... Explained

Well, I got the calendar prompt when I opened my work email first thing this morning, "Call Rich at 11:30". The big moment! I wasn't sure what to expect, this whole process has been so convoluted like every time I've applied for a supervisor position in this company. In preparation for anything: rejection, promotion or interview - I jotted down some of the scenarios I'd thought out for those difficult, put you on the spot interview questions. 11:30 came in no time and I found myself talking to Rich, the hiring manager. He didn't waste a lot of time getting to the "it's not you" part - but that was fine. He explained that I was his top candidate, that I did better in my informal interview than every other candidate did in their series of interviews, and that I was the only one who possessed everything that would make me a great asset to their center. However, because of time constraints and the nature of the role - I was not the best fit. Their hope is to bring in someone green that can be brought up to speed slowly, not mind entry-level pay and devote a lot of their time to filling gaps that normally their reports would be doing. Because of those reasons - justifying the pay I requested for the work they needed was not approvable. However, he went on to explain that the San Diego supervisor was on the fence about whether or not to relocate which could potentially open the door to another position early next year. We shall see. I chose to believe nothing and continue to take everthing one day at a time. And yes, it's a little disheartening and disappointing - a world where top candidate doesn't mean you have a new job is... well... stupid. But, I'm otherwise fine. I like it here in Orlando - it's all still new and the people I've met are unique, interesting, creative, and most importantly - genuine. That's priceless to me.