Relaxed group but feeling unfulfilled
I have been working in a boutique firm focused on media and tech. It is a good wlb and my teammates are chill although we are not very close, which is alright. Things are slow with work, I’m on 1 sellside deal and usually 1-2 pitches, but not sure if I enjoy the job despite being proficient in my role. The work is often admin tasks or working in powerpoint, and we don’t do much valuation. I’ve been here for a year and my tasks feel repetitive. I appreciate that I work less (9am-7pm most days) but I feel bored and unfulfilled. I’m also unsure if it’s really better elsewhere.
I get that many teams can have more less ideal hours or culture, and more stress, so I’m grateful for finding a group that is more relaxed, but think the work itself may not be for me long term. I have only been here for a year so maybe my responsibilities can change and become more interesting over time but not sure. I am not interested in going to PE either, but also unsure if my role would give me the best buyside opportunities. Most of our deals are in the LMM space.
Just feel like I’m going through the motions but lacking purpose. I would appreciate any advice.
In a similar situation - great group of people with relaxed hours but the work is repetitive and boring. Looking into investing as a potential option, as I hear the work is more interesting and has more critical thinking components, but would be happy to hear other opinions.
A lot of the times, IB can create an existential crisis for some folk who are looking for greater meaning to their lives. I'll say that the more value you place onto your job for meaning and purpose, the less happy you may find yourself. Work is just a means to pay for things, find happiness and purpose outside of your job.
I don’t know if I should stay in my group or find something else because I’m unsure if anything else will help me find more fulfillment.
You make a good point about finding more purpose in things when not working. Most of my day after work usually consists of surfing the web, so that definitely isn’t helping me find any purpose
Most people have the issue of (i) they spend most of their time at work (so they're not at all fulfilled by the thing they spend most of their time doing) and (ii) they're so tired from their day at work that to go find value in something else and have the energy for it is difficult. What have you done to find purpose when you take those into account?
I feel similar about my job. I feel content in that my hours aren’t super long and I can do the job well. I do not feel fulfilled by it. It just pays the bills.
I find more purpose and fulfillment in what I do in my free time. I enjoy learning new skills. For example, was able to pick up data science and web design over the past year. I think improving myself and developing new skills has helped me feel like I’m progressing, even if my job feels somewhat monotonous and repetitive.
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everything you do in life, if you stick around long enough becomes just going through the motions. In your lifetime, you'll wake up ~30,000 times just to live another day that was remarkably like yesterday. And despite a new day feeling like yesterday, when you compare day 10,000 to day 20,000, the two are very different. Even when you're just going through the motions in life, whatever that may be, you're learning and changing and growing.
It may feel this way starting out, but as time goes on, you may find the job to become slightly more interesting even if things feel the same on some days. Progress comes gradually, let your skills develop and your responsibility and growth will follow.
I find more fulfillment and meaning outside of work through satisfying my intellectual curiosity, maintaining a good relationship with my friends and family, and being additive to others around me.
So many people would envy being in your position. The reality of the situation is that most jobs are boring; they're a means to an end. Sounds like you actually have the time and energy to keep up various hobbies + friendships, so enjoy that!
Welcome to IB my man. Try not to go crazy over the next 12-14 months and you can find a wonderful PE or CorpDev gig.
Quia enim velit modi et molestias totam. A suscipit sunt repellendus rem sequi. Distinctio sapiente ea id tempora est.
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