The lonely life of a young FLDP

Hi everyone,

I am currently in a three year FLDP rotational program with a FT500 company. I will not mention the name of the company for obvious reasons. I am in my first year rotation right now. So far, it is just like what everyone said. The benefits of this program are great, and you're constantly under the radar of senior executives.

HOWEVER-------

You literary have "NO" social life at all. You will most likely be placed in the middle nowhere - most likely midwest due to cheap cost. You will not know anyone, and most likely will not be able to meet people outside of work. Your accounting & Finance team will be a small group, and most likely your team members are all old.

For those currently in the program right now & graduated from the program, were your experiences similar to mine? If so, how did you survive those few years? And what advices would you give to the current fldps that are living in the middle of nowhere.

Thank you

 

This is highly dependent on the company, the most companies will likely have you in the middle of nowhere (or a small city) at some point in your career.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

Sounds like you work for a John Deere/Cat type company.

Honestly, its all what you make of it. Consider relocating to a larger city near your job and commute. This way you would have an opportunity at a bit more of a social life. Befriend any incoming analysts/some of the older ones as well. If this doesn't work maybe look into moving over horizontally with a company with better locations?

 
Best Response

Most of your post applied to me, except the middle of nowhere. I told my rotation manager that I wouldn't do well in the middle of nowhere, and it actually ended up working out. I've heard horror stories of other FLDP's doing the same thing and they got sent to the middle of nowhere on purpose.

Its such a dramatic transition going from on top of the world in college to moving 2,500 miles from your friends and family while knowing no one. Something I wish I would've done during my first rotation was network within the community better and actually create long-lasting friendships. You don't want to get done with your first rotation, look back, and realize that you wasted a year of networking. Join the young professionals club in your area, use Tinder like a fiend, and go to happy hours to make friends.

One thing these FLDP's teach you is to reflect internally with all of the time spent by yourself. My priorities today are a lot different than they were two years ago - it definitely makes you realize how important friends and family are.

 

To be fair, a 1-year rotation seems a lot longer than a 6 month rotations.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

I did a rotation in the middle of nowhere more than an hour from any major city so I can relate. It really is what you make of it. My advice would be to push yourself out of your comfort zone and get involved in things outside of the office. It can get depressing fast if you just work 8 to 5 then go home and watch tv.

I started taking martial arts/MMA classes and met a bunch of people through that, and also linked up with other FLDP's who lived within a few hours of me. There are tons of options for things to get involved in to keep you busy and meet people. It would also be an ideal time to take the GMAT or work towards some certifications.

 
AllDay_028:

Seriously, just frequenting a bar and making friends with bartenders can work. I do this in NYC all the time and have made friends and gotten dates through it.

Wait, did you just compare NYC to some middle of nowhere town? Give me a break man. You clearly haven't been in the OPs situation.

OP, it's tough, I know how you feel. I was in a very similar situation. Work hard, explore hobbies, workout a ton, further yourself education wise, etc. If there are any types of clubs, teams, etc. in the area that you can join (summer leagues?) That's be the way to go in my opinion.

 
GoIllini:
AllDay_028:

Seriously, just frequenting a bar and making friends with bartenders can work. I do this in NYC all the time and have made friends and gotten dates through it.

Wait, did you just compare NYC to some middle of nowhere town? Give me a break man. You clearly haven't been in the OPs situation.

OP, it's tough, I know how you feel. I was in a very similar situation. Work hard, explore hobbies, workout a ton, further yourself education wise, etc. If there are any types of clubs, teams, etc. in the area that you can join (summer leagues?) That's be the way to go in my opinion.

No, the comparison isn't NYC to his situation. And I spent most of my life in the Midwest. But becoming a regular at a bar in any area of the country will make you friends. The demographics will be different of the other people who attend, but it'll be some semblance of a social life.

 

Try something to break up the monotony. My whole life I have been involved in athletics and thus I work out a lot. One Year I decided to give a body building competition a try. This doesn't help your case for a social life. You spend 16 weeks cooking, eating, and working out but it does give you something else to work for and commit your time to if you're not looking to study for a certification. It's also a great test of your mind. Good luck

 

Sounds like an adventure, just remember lots of people would love to be in your position right now. never mind social life and living in the desert, and i agree with most people is what you make of it.

‘The critical investment factor is determining the intrinsic value of a business and paying a fair or bargain price." W.B." we venture the motto, Margin of Safety.” Ben Graham
 

Yea, definitely wouldn't advise that if OP likes his face

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

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