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View Full Version : Quarter-Life hits me hard


JayWill
02-03-2006, 03:33 AM
After 4 years of trying to create a successful Investment Management Company I have accepted the venture as having been a failed one. I believe I will learn a lot from having failed at such a thing at a young age [but feel that will come to fruition in the distant future]. The problem for me is right now.

After all has been said and done I have some debt and no idea where to go from here with regard to my professional future. My academic qualifications do not match those required by institutions in Finance/Investment Banking and my experience has not yet warranted positive feedback from prospective employers. I have been searching for a job within the field for 6 months now, tailoring my application materials to each individual position. So far - nothing.

Essentially, my confidence has waned of late due to the fact that my resume is, for the most part, evidence of a 4 year entrepeneurial venture - and, in my opinion nothing else. At times I felt as if things were worth the risk, but currently I feel as if all I have done was waste precious time and capital. I have friends and family who say I belong in Law School, but I would have already applied if I felt the same way. I am wondering whether Grad School (Business/Econ/Political Science...etc) is the answer, but my mind is so clouded that I cannot bring myself to make a decision. I sold my car, corporate "assets" and other possessions recently to pay off all debts, and feel completely inadequate in every way.

I'd appreciate any advice you may have for someone who has lost his confidence - big time. Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Hope all is well with your situation.

Jay

wordsmith
02-03-2006, 09:12 AM
Hey, bear in mind that many people wouldn't have even attempted an entrepreneurial venture...that's something. Even a failure is not a waste...it's a harsh learning experience, but a learning experience none the less.

It's not a direct parallel, but I didn't succeed at the job I'd prepared for, either. I took a year and joined a volunteer program to give me time to reassess and figure things out and reprioritize (though I hadn't been at it four years, so I hadn't had the time to amass much debt and when you're a full-time volunteer, student loans are deferred...so in my case, I could afford to take a year and make essentially nothing). With that bit of breathing room, I eventually figured out what direction to take...a totally different field, albeit one I did happen to be qualified for. My confidence was certainly damaged. But I did bounce back. You can, too, I have no doubt.

It's hard...I'm looking to move on professionally once gain, and I'm finding what you're finding, as well. Interviews are few and far between, even with about seven years of valuable work experience behind me. It is VERY hard to not let it sock your confidence. So I sympathize. You're not alone, though.

Bugsey34
02-03-2006, 09:21 AM
but my mind is so clouded that I cannot bring myself to make a decision.
Jay

If this is really how you feel I think you need to step back from the situation, and take some time to figure out exactly what your next step is. Don't rush into anything because you may make the wrong choice.

JayWill
02-03-2006, 04:53 PM
Thank you for your comments.....Im pretty much trying to step back, but being somewhat stubborn hasn't really helped....I know I need to try and put less pressure on myself, but do not know that I can at the moment.....

I just wish I could be my confident self again

wordsmith
02-03-2006, 05:01 PM
Well, in all fairness, that's not really the reason to volunteer...