I’m excited for where this next year will take me.
In Katie's fourth and final instalment, she looks back on her one year since leaving UEA and how far she has come. Now four months into a finance role and in London, Katie is getting used to a fast-paced life and looks to the future with excitement.
Read Part 1 of Katie's Diary, published in September 2020.
Read Part 2 of Katie's Diary, published in January 2021.
Read Part 3 of Katie's Diary, published in April 2021.
In 2020, not knowing where I would be in a year felt incredibly daunting. In 2021, that same potential feels incredibly promising.
So here it is, my last instalment of my diary. Reading back through my past posts it really is crazy how much has changed over the past year. Although my journey to where I am now didn’t work out as planned, I can wholeheartedly say I am right where I should be.
Last time I checked in I was only two days into my new job. Now 4 months have passed, and it’s been a huge learning curve. The finance industry was an area completely different to anything I’d tackled before, but I’m really enjoying it. The hours can be long, and it can be very intense at times, but that was something I had always expected in my career – especially starting off.
It’s also rewarding, engaging and the growth I’ve experienced in such a short time already makes me proud to reflect on. I wanted a job which continuously challenged me, and this one really does. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it can be tough, but having a supportive team around me who have great craic makes it a lot easier.
Not only is my career starting, but I’ve also just arranged to move into a new flat with one of my closest friends from university. I’m moving from North to South London, nearer to where most of my friends are. The flat is great (even if the washing machine is in the bathroom) and I’ve already started buying unnecessary things to make it feel like my home.
I feel like I’m starting to get settled and find my feet. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m on the right track to wherever I might end up. Comparing where I was last year with where I am now, in both instances the future feels very open. In 2020, not knowing where I would be in a year felt incredibly daunting. In 2021, that same potential feels incredibly promising.
Graduating provides a moment of opportunity which can feel overwhelming – it did for me. Even now, I’m not sure where I will be this time next year, but maybe that’s for the best. I’m still learning to ask for help both professionally and personally but that’s okay. I’m trying to stop putting so much pressure on myself and to instead embrace my own potential. I’m excited for where this next year will take me.