100% I know I've learned a ton across my aviation career and the failures were huge motivators to the kind of instructor I became both CFI and mil. I have great LORs from people who have flown with me across my career.

I'm not defeatest about discussing my career with interviewers. I'm actually excited to get in front of them and to talk about those very situations and what kind of pilot i've been. But in the interest of impartiality a lot of hiring departments operate on automatic points systems and unfortunately that's the big filter I face. The scoresheet kicks me out before any of my interview questions or LORs or references can get a word in.

I appreciate the support and moto people have brought in the comments. If anything gives me hope it's the fact that people like y'all are out there.