Job rejections can sting, leaving many wondering what went wrong. Was it our skills, presentation, or perhaps something deeper and less obvious? Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old woman, recently experienced such a rejection after applying for a job at TJ Maxx. Feeling disheartened, she turned to TikTok to share her story, where her video quickly went viral.

In her video, Ash, known for her unique tattoos, shared her confusion and frustration. Her video resonated with millions, gaining over seven million views. She expressed how she couldn’t understand why young people, like herself, often struggled to secure even entry-level positions, despite having the necessary skills and experience.