Hi,
Short version: I have been on the beach my entire time as a jr. I have in my head done everything I could do and beyond to solve it. Others get way more work and responsibility than I do. I want to move, but not sure to where and how to time or optimise it.
To be honest I just want to voice my frustration, because I am more upset that I feel like I am being singled out than I am distressed at what my options are. But I would be very grateful for help in both areas.
I have laid out a more detailed script below if any one needs more context, I am not thinking super straight, so I apologise if my thoughts are a mess.
Context: I work in M&A Advisory at a Scandinavian Big 4 office. I am the only international jr.
Problem:
- I have been on the bench for almost 6 months now (my entire time essentially)
- There has barely been any projects, but I have been the least prioritised on my team, so much so even my peers have reach to me about it
- The extremely rare times I am on a proposal, I get called in for something that's pretty much done or I get assigned to make the CV slide or something menial
What I am doing about it:
- I am contacting my seniors and showing interest consistently
- I am participating in any and all I can take on initiatives i.e. unpaid internal work, often of which I have personally initiated
- I talked to my mentor at work and expressed the frustration, but got nothing tangible in response “ohh times are slow” “we will do our best”
- I most of the time am the first one in the office, I always give it my all, and I would like to think I am well liked by my colleagues, or at least I am doing what I can
-The one time I was on a proposal, my manager kept ignoring me when I asked what I could do (as I was meant to be on it a bit earlier, but had to be away for a company excused reason), until I just worked at whatever I saw suit (which was actually appreciated by other managers of other teams)
Why am I frustrated:
I understand M&A work is down right now, but I just do not get why other associates keep getting on a proposal after proposal, and I am the only one having to beg to do anything! I don't mind doing internal projects but now I feel like a dummy!!! When I ask for feedback, everyone praises my attention to detail and my dedication and I even passed my probation when given that feedback. I am the only person on my entire team to have gone to a target school and I am pretty certain I have proven myself, though of course its never taken for granted by me.
Dilemma: Do I try to switch to higher tier firm in a region where I could be a better fit (they have great projects not, love the weather but I am so tired of moving countries), Do I attempt MBB etc in my Scandinavian country (I think I have a lower chance here, and not sure if I should apply and ruin my chance at the other region), Do I make a parallel move (I am not sure if moving to another big 4 will make a difference in my situation, and am weighing if just holding up where I am for sometime would be worth it)