seven days, three months, one year

Seven Days, Three Months, One Year

My first few days at IQPC, one of the senior directors called me in for a meeting. He says, the meeting will be about the most important challenge I have to get through, working for the company.

Not quoting directly of course, but he says: "Seven days, is about getting used to work, colleagues and the company's dynamics. You'll be asking if you like it and how you'd fit in."

"At three months, you'll start wondering if you're proving your worth for the company and if the company is the right place for you."

"One year, you'll consider your future and where this job has been taking you so far."

Thing in common, for these three important days is that you'll be considering quitting the job. He's right. I quit IQPC, slightly over the one year mark.

And he's also right on a second count... I'm feeling career existential woes, over my current job.

It's a s-l-o-w pace over here. There's tonnes of bureaucracy (for instance, a thank you letter to a VIP needs the input of five parties) and extremely detail oriented. It's amazing how many layers and levels we have to examine every single theme, message, line, word and tone. I'm afraid it takes quite a lot of getting used to... and on slow(er) days can border on plain boring.

But at times like these I have to recall the advice again. 7-3-1. It's times where you'd consider quitting... but really it's just a kind-of career quitting clock ticking. The question is just how to get out of it.

It's a great learning experience. I'm surrounded by people with immense stores of experiences and credibility. My immediate manager is a Harvard alma mater, and I'm working with professionals from all major fields - political science, economics, history and sciences - to think of themes and stories to tell in our communications.

So there will be a lot of catching up and a lot of learning. Didn't realize it would be this difficult (or so boring on slow days).

After all, this is what I've asked for!