Career Starting Dilemma

I've figured out I could be working in finance, but I'm unable to start my career because of my own mental dilemma of showing up for jobs I'm not legitimately interested in and telling them information they don't need to know. I need to toughen up and sell myself for the position even if I'm not interested in staying in long term. I need to "make" myself interested if I am to kickstart my career in finance ... and try to make a move when I have enough experience and skills under my belt.

Am I making a mistake seeking work I'm not genuinely interested in just to get experience?

Feel free to beat me over the head as I feel deserving of it at this point.

 

Not exactly, but your personal satisfaction and happiness do have value.

A lot of analysts hate IB, but they're putting up with it for 2-3 years in order to get the opportunities that open up thereafter.

Office Space has been coming on Comedy Central lately if you want some ideas/venting.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."
 
Best Response

You're young and you don't need to have it all figured out. Chances are, whatever you are doing in 5 years is not what you'll be doing next year.

But not having a hard-on for entry level work is a very poor excuse for not getting your career going.

You are young enough that you can work 100 hours / week and still live a fun life. Do that for a while and then figure out how much you value work/life balance, and how much mundane work you are willing to put up with.

Keep in mind though that it is a NEVER ENDING GRIND. Whether you are an analyst or VP or whatever, there will always be a coworker near you that always gives 100% and they will be the ones who move onward and upward. The guys/gals that put forth 75% effort get ranked in the middle of the pack, can get promoted over time, and can go on to have an okay career. The rest decide that it isn't worth their health, or they don't like the work, or they'd rather be an entrepreneur.

If you can't commit to at least 75% at Day 0, the outlook for you isn't great.

 

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