do you spend too much time with your co-workers?
Curious to know the opinions of others who already in consulting...
I"ve been working for a boutique for about 2 years, all projects have been quite laid back, leaving a lot of time for socializing and going out. We travel alot, and usually M-F, and everyone is young, and quite social. We travel often to "fun" cities, good weather, great nightlife. Our particular team consists of about 15 people, and for any given project I'm pretty much guaranteed to be working with 3-5 of these same 15 people. From breakfast > sitting in conference room all day> lunch > gym after work > dinner > drinks till late night - all of us are together, all the time. Kinda like one big co-ed frat.
Honestly, it has been a lot of fun, however after 2 years I feel like I"m spending too much time my co-workers. To the point where I'm now also hanging out with them on the weekends and outside of work, taking weekend trips together, etc. Naturally though, as a result of all this travel, I feel like I'm starting to loose touch with my friends from prior to joining the company.
I'm not sure if this is typical of every consulting firm that requires heavy travel, or if it's just my company or perhaps just the unique culture of my "team". Do other consultants develop this close of friendships with their co-workers? I'm concerned that whenever I choose to leave consulting, my social life will come a stand still, and my expectations for what co-workers in industry or where-ever I end up long term, will simply lead to disapointment.
I'd say keep it balanced. It's important to be close with your co-workers. It's also important to cut out time to network with others in your industry who are not your co-workers. And then of course there is friends and family.
I don't think anyone can really 'tell' you exactly how you need to split that up. It's a learning process that you'll get a hang of as you learn through experience.
I generally see the weekday bonding happening on most of my projects. Weekends are generally off limits. Weekend hang outs/trips seem to be limited to young single males.
Monday - Thursday my life looks a lot like this, minus the drinking till late night (we usually work post-workout / dinner, sounds like your lifestyle is pretty good).
Friday - Sunday are for my fiancee and friends - I don't really spend time with coworkers outside of the work week. That being said, I understand what you're saying about losing touch with friends - not being around to catch a game during the week, etc, it happens to everyone.
I've found that I have to take the lead in making sure I see my friends - I call my 2-3 best buddies on Thursday afternoon when I'm heading home to see how they're doing, make plans for the weekend. That helps me stay connected, even if I don't end up seeing them.
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