There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you’d better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you’ll never understand what it’s saying.

Sarah Dessen, Just Listen

The quote above from Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen has resonated with me ever since I saw it. As I approached my graduation I saw myself making a very important choice, career wise. The decision was far from what I had originally imagined. I ultimately gave up a job offer I know I would thoroughly enjoy and opting in for a graduate position at a very reputable investment bank.

Now, I cannot say whether I have made the right decision. I think there is no point in speculating as to what “would have happened” or if I would be “better-off” with the other job offer. Thinking back I realised at the time something, somehow has tempted me into moving and all the noise and doubt has clouded why I made the choice in the first place.

That is… to use the opportunity as a platform for change and diversify my experiences.

Nearly a year down the track, the result of that very decision has brought me to where I am today. I learnt a great deal about the investment industry; I met a great bunch of talented people, many of which are graduates just like myself; I learnt about discipline and how to work as a professional; I pushed myself out of the comfort zone of being stuck in a dev heavy environment and really working towards being a well-rounded person.