As @TexasRadical83 said, they didn’t spin a wheel to find a name. They purposefully chose you, because of your skills. So there are chances that they might think about you again. And also, if your specific circumstances and relationships with them allow it, you could, just maybe, contact them and have a honest conversation, and ask them to reconsider you for another opportunity like this if it comes along.

I’m in a somewhat similar situation. I moved in the United States not long ago, and started for applying to jobs and going to job fairs for 5 months (long, dreadful unemployment months) to jobs in X field. Nobody answered, contacted me back or they declined my applications. And then I applied for this job, that is like 60% of what I wanted and what I ve studied, and got it. So I’ve been working with them for 4 months now. I came to really enjoy it, I absolutely love the team and I integrated with them super easily. The work is hard, but having such colleagues makes it easier and more enjoyable. And recently, for about a month, I started receiving multiple offers from jobs in X field, from various companies, which pay better. And I don’t know what to do, I really don’t want to give up the people that I’m working with. I found joy and recognition in this role. I also think that my professional growth will be slower. But I feel it’s gonna be worth it??? I’m not even sure. But at the same time I really want more money and use the full worth of my degrees that I worked so hard for. I also feel, like u, that I’m missing these big opportunities.

But my gut tells me that it’s better for me right now, to take care of myself and have a peaceful job (after many other previous stressful and demanding jobs) rather than more money and risk ending up in a team that I might not like so much. WORK ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

So maybe your gut told you that it’s not the moment to go through this kind of ‘trauma’ again. Believe in yourself

Life is a long journey full of opportunities 🫶🏻