In IB - Weird seating arrangement changing my perception hard

I am an analyst 2. Our office had a weird situation where they re-did the layout and arrangements and they could not fit all of the analysts in the bullpen in my group, they asked if someone didn't mind and could volunteer to instead sit with the admins / HR and I said sure. 

I know this will seem like a super obvious take, but holy shit their lives seem 10x more enjoyable and are way happier than us in "high finance". Couple things I have noticed just sitting with them for months now: 

I come into the office after a latenight with no sleep already stressed and anxious out of my mind for the next day and here they are storming in laughing, smiling and saying good morning to everyone. They sit down, eat a nice breakfast, check news, social media, etc. Just seems like a pleasant morning and not an absolute fire under my ass like I am used to. 

Their weekday nights just sound awesome. They constantly talk about what movies or shows they are watching, new hobbies they picked up, food they are cooking, workout / fitness classes they are doing, rec league sports they joined

They talk all day about just human stuff. Talk about their friends, their families, their next vacation, the new hobby they are picking up, etc. Its sad to think their lives just look like HUMAN. I guess this is the product of working 100 hour weeks and a soulless environment, but it seems so sad that my life is just deadlines and sitting in a desk. When I was in the bullpen no one really chitchatted all day and seemed happy, it was more just looking over eachother and going "Is your capiq down too"? 

They are so compassionate and care about eachother. At times they will turn to eachother and say stuff like you've been on a sprint of working for hours, why dont you take a break and relax a little? Or you have been busy, let me go get you some food or a snack. Also super considerate on deadlines, pushing back, etc. 

They literally just laugh giggle and smile ALL DAY. Me being so anxious and swamped and nauseous I could never. I wish i could be like them. I am so jealous. 

Post probably seems pointless but I just am in love with sitting with these people now. They completely changed my perception that life isn't so focused around this dumb job and I love seeing how go lucky and happy they are. 

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

This is a mature outlook. Find a career path that suits you and stick with it, good things will come.

 

Had a corporate job like this pre-MBA and really liked it. But I feel I had to leave. Very low ceiling when it came to compensation. I wouldn't have pursued an MBA if the company was willing to give meaningful raises. 

That being said, good on you to self-reflect based on what you saw. I remember interviewing with investment banks during my MBA program and I often felt I was blinded by the allure for money rather than the work culture / personalities I saw in the industry. Struck out while recruiting and even if I somehow got an offer full-time, I don't think I would have lasted even 1-2 years.

 

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