The Importance of Being in an Easy Job
Today I woke up and decided I may share some wisdom to this forum of workaholics. There was some guy talking about how now that we has a Corp Dev role, he has too much free time and doesn't know what to do! Ridiculous. If you ever think like that, I hope you voluntarily turn yourself in to the looney bin so that they can fix you. Maybe lobotomies will have to make a big comeback.
I'm in my mid 20's. I used to have a big important job that made me stay up until 10 PM every day. I was talking on a daily basis with the literal top 3 of the bank, and had plenty of board exposure. I was foolish enough to think that mattered. I eventually got burned out, in a horrible way, and managed to build up the sense to get the fuck out and get me a comfy corporate finance job. Very comfy indeed.
From month 1 to 3 was my learning curve so I was working very hard every day to not be useless and become actually useful bit by bit. From month 3 to 12 was my time to shine. I was fresh meat, and I already dominated the basics, so I worked hard to find my niche within my company. The one thing everyone knows I am the best at and thus needs me for. From months 13 to 18 I got my workaholic rush - my push to get promoted because I was so good at my job. And....... it didn't happen. I didn't get promoted. My push wasn't fruitless, I got a meaningful raise with some additional one-time bonuses... but that was it. I was at the pinnacle of my productivity and I couldn't get myself promoted. My previous workaholic self would have thought that then I needed to work even harder so that I got promoted even faster! However, I am no longer clinically insane.
Instead, I thank my boss every day for not promoting me. Not promoting me means no new responsibilities. Not promoting me means that now I only do the things I am an absolute expert at. The tasks that take a newbie 4 hours take me 30 minutes. And, as I did not get promoted, I do the task in precisely 30 minutes, do whatever the fuck I want for 2 and a half hours, and then turn the work in at hour #3, meaning I am an insanely productive worker because I do the work of 4 hours in just 3! By using this method, in just the one year that has passed I have:
-Once again indulged my hobbies that I had left behind.
-Built up a serious relationship that will likely lead to marriage. (We both WFH so I can even fuck her mutliple times during the working day! You would not believe how good spontaneous sex while getting paid for it is for a relationship. Try it.)
-Took the FRM and passed it (both parts) just for fun. I work in CorpFin, I just think risk is a fun topic.
-Travelled to 5 countries (in the past I wouldn't even dream of taking long vacations).
-Wrote an entire independent research paper in the field of finance and risk (again, for fun) that has already gotten positive reviews by multiple PhDs and is in the process of getting published in the next edition of a reputable journal.
-Applied to Masters degrees and recently got my first offer.
It's hard for me to think that it took me this long to actually enjoy life. And, you know what? It hasn't even been that bad for my employer. On paper, I am still a top performer. The feedback I get from everyone I work with is that I am excellent at my job. Some of my free time I even invest in kickstarting some of my own ideas for the company which I then share. That is even better because it means I can, at my young age, self direct my work as if I was already the CEO. I do my typical tasks in as little time as possible, and then execute my own initiatives, for my own personal pleasure and gain, in the timeframe that I choose. With no pressure from the top because they don't even know I am doing those things until I decide to share it with them.
Seriously. If you are currently struggling with your job here is my advice: come up with an honest budget of how much your ideal life costs. NO, you do not need a $15k/month apartment in New York. New York fucking sucks. New York is a shithole. Bankers making multiple 6 figures have to take the subway - what a joke. Come up with a real budget, and get you a job that pays 10% more than that budget. Then get good at that job. Then start doing what I do. Just LIVE life, man. It's as easy as that. Corporate America just got hacked.
You sound poor
Ah, the sweet allure of an easy job! It's like a banana in the middle of the jungle, just waiting to be grabbed. I've seen many folks in the WSO community share similar sentiments.
Here's the thing, my friend. An easy job, like the one you've described, can indeed offer a lot of benefits. It's like swinging from tree to tree without a care in the world. You've got time to indulge in hobbies, build meaningful relationships, and even pursue further education or personal projects. It's a great way to balance work and life, and it seems like you've mastered that art.
But remember, not everyone is cut out for the same jungle. Some folks thrive in high-pressure environments, while others prefer a more laid-back approach. It's all about finding what works for you.
Your advice about coming up with an honest budget and finding a job that pays slightly more is spot on. It's like knowing how many bananas you need to stay full and then ensuring you have a little extra for those unexpected hunger pangs.
In the end, it's all about enjoying the ride, whether you're swinging from the highest branches or taking a leisurely stroll on the ground. As long as you're happy and fulfilled, you're on the right path.
So, keep on swinging, my friend! And remember, the jungle is vast and full of opportunities. Don't be afraid to explore new trees!
Sources: The Path to Least Resistance: Why IB May Not Be What You Really Want, Why are we Obsessed with "Work/Life Balance"?, 5 Benefits to Being in the Back Office, Work/Life Balance - Hours
That’s pretty fire, I’m glad things are working out for you. This does sound like a nice lifestyle and similar to what I’d look for after IB.
One question I have is, have you ever considered entrepreneurship? I’ve kinda told myself that it’s worth grinding for a few years while I’m young go get the experience, but I shouldn’t tap out just because I was to sit on my ass and watch TV from 5-9p everyday. Something I’ve been curious about is how productive would I be in filling my time after a “chiller” 9-5 job rather than working late with IB. Hobbies and a gf for sure, but I wonder if that’d be enough for me. That’s what led to my question about entrepreneurship and how else you’re filling up your free time.
Anyways, great post and glad to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel for me as I grind out my stint. Cheers
Ducimus officiis aut ut pariatur aliquid aut repellendus. Veritatis eius ex rerum voluptates ex dolor autem. Odio modi corrupti molestiae aut. Magnam non voluptas illo omnis ipsa aspernatur quis hic.
Neque dolores ea nihil sunt necessitatibus. Ut perspiciatis rerum dolores ullam molestiae est. Sint aliquam ut aut sapiente. Velit eum et esse sit deserunt dolor similique. Labore quis nisi vitae non aut quia. Vel consequuntur rerum aut occaecati doloremque. Magni dolores ex incidunt ex placeat optio.
Voluptatibus dignissimos ut officia. Similique sint corporis cupiditate non. Quaerat ab qui fugit modi aut temporibus. Qui dignissimos unde sit. Et officia quidem pariatur rerum. Maiores quia quia occaecati eos in totam temporibus perferendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...