Balancing

Not too long ago, a friend of mine from Darden and I had a catch up call... how's life? What have you been doing? Work? Family? Extra curriculars? La la la... you're what?! Switching jobs already!?!

It's been a year since graduation. I've had my one year anniversary at my employer. Given that I was the first person in my class (that I know) to start work post-graduation it's hard for me to imagine that people who started after me are already changing companies, careers and positions.

The hype at the end of business school subsided instantaneously. We thought we were going to make the world a better place with our new tricks from a tremendous education. In reality, we return to the working world, much like some of us left. While some are faced with daily challenges, others are simply going through the motions. During my time, I've had a couple of challenges, but nothing Earth shattering. My plate is still basically empty and while I understand I am needed somewhere, it seems that no one has the time to tell me where (a couple of changes have management spread a little thin currently). Overall it irritates me. I sit here putting in my hours because I feel I should. However, the hours aren't the least bit productive.I didn't go to business school and graduate in the top of my class to assume a lackluster position.

Over the weekend, we hosted friends for tacos. One of my good friends from school works at a company from which I did not receive an offer even though I did make it to second round interviews (little mistakes...and nerves). Recently, she was taken to a happy hour by the finance department asking if she'd like to quit her rotation program and work full time as a senior analyst. The position was interesting, yet she has decided to continue her rotations and thought it may be a good fit for me.

I'm not looking to jump ship, though I'd be lying if I said I'm not open to opportunities. In the right position, with the right company, at the right price point...I'd highly consider the switch. In the back of my mind, I'm troubled however. I think of all the people I've met including one of the champions of the program I'm in and I don't want to disappoint them. In addition, I have a relatively defined career path here, though I fear my next assignment may be in a personally less desirable city. Then I keep returning to the thought, I need something to do. If I don't get work, I don't build my skillset and subsequently, my resume. Is it wrong to look? I'm not exactly sure right now. What if I wear to apply? I'm very torn. I stayed in a position for too long prior to business school and I don't want to make that mistake again. On the other hand, it's likely I haven't been in this position long enough.

Boredom

I wait for the minutes to pass, which is something I haven't done in months. Don't get me wrong, I have wanted time to fast forward at the end of the day, but not like this.

Last night, I composed an email requesting more work. I recognize that it's hard to give me more work from 500 miles away when the day its consumed with meetings. However, perhaps the note needed to be more blunt. "I have nothing to do." On one hand, it's my fault for not realizing how lean my workload was becoming as I sent completed tasks. So I now sit here trying to brainstorm some grand idea that would keep me busy and help the office. So far, no luck.

CNN was interesting for a while, though I've maxed out on my intake of news. Most "fun" sites are blocked and my phone signal is horrible at my desk. I'm back to, so what?

12 hours of work, the gym and a soccer game later, I'll be off to Vegas tomorrow for one of my favorite weekends of the year - soccer tournament + Vegas nightlife.