Currently at my last desk shift at Pop Physique (finally!) - I’m probably going to become a client (bar workout, here I come!), but very happy to have my Sunday mornings, or weekends in general, completely to myself.
It’s been two weeks since I’ve left LEK. I was talking to Christine last night about how much my first two years in the work force has shaped me the way I am now. Living that lifestyle on a day to day basis, without having much time for reflection, I was somewhat oblivious to a lot of things… But I’m grateful.
Two weeks at Maker has been interesting. There are so many things going on at once (real startup life without being an engineer/salesperson is actually possible and fun!), and I am getting the gist of how things run at Maker. Working at a startup isn’t all about wearing jeans and working on a MacBook (in fact, I have a Lenovo for work. Hardcore analyst, yes, that’s me!). For me, it’s been more about building something from the ground up. I’ve been pampered by the comforts and have everything catered to me and set in place. Who would’ve thought I’d think about how a company’s various policies should be built instead of throwing out a 150-page deck on European market expansion strategy for Product X? Hopefully my experience at Maker will allow me to someday run of my gig (!!!), which is exciting.
On another note, weather has been amazing :) As much as I had wanted to leave LA, I can’t complain about wearing shorts in late January!
“Hello all,
The U.S. profit share announcement will be made Friday, January 13th at 9:45am (PST).
A hot breakfast, Champaign and cider will be served in the Boardroom.”
… “I’d rather cut down on hot breakfast, champaign, and cider so I can get more profit share.”
BEST LAST DAY EVER!!!
Inspired by Sarah and Julia, I am also going to write 2011 reflection as I am waiting for my conference call at 6pm (are you guys downtiming at work, too? we are all updating our blogs!)
- Went on a sabbatical (which I *fought* for)
- Found a new job at a startup :) which I’m very excited about
- Went to my first *real* final presentation at a PE firm in Century City… and learned that they get breakfast, lunch, AND dinner catered everyday!!!
- Got into barre workout and actually kept up with it (thanks to sabbatical)
- Worked till 11pm (Thursday), went to Calvin Harris concert (Thursday-Friday), took an 8am conference call (Friday), took a red-eye flight to Miami (Friday-Saturday) and went on my first real vacation in Miami with UCLA girls
- Worked till 3am (Friday), took an 8am flight to Philly (Friday), then took a red-eye flight back to LA (Sunday) then got into work (mind you, I had an 80-hour week)
- Finally got to try: JiRaffe, The Bazaar, The Little Door, Fogo de Chao, BOA, Asia de Cuba, and Katsuya (jeez, so LA)
- Despite crazy work hours, actually went out quite a bit?
- Traveled to Boston twice this year - once over a weekend for a conference (east coast trip over the weekend is very ambitious), then for training
- Visited SF three times this year - twice for work/recruiting and once for interviewing
- Got into the startup scene!!!
- Developed a love/hate relationship with LA… which is turning into a sincere appreciation :)
- Went to the ER… two years in a row - will I continue this trend in 2012?!
- Really learned what I want in life… what type of environment I perform well in, what kind of people I get along the best with, what I look for in people, how I want to plan the next years of my life, etc. - most important is developing a sense of patience
Time to prep for the call…. last week!!!
Has anyone ever gone on a search for the perfect tote bag? I have… I’ve gone through the phases of tote bags, whether purchased or not, ranging from self-made bags from Michael’s (circa 2003), Longchamp (sturdy and colorful… still use it all the time for traveling), LV Neverfull (gosh, everywhere), and Goyard (!!!).
… dare I say, I think I might have found the near-perfect tote bag - not just online, but actually in person - today. The leather is perfect, the composition is exquisite as it is handmade, and though it’s not a Longchamp, it comes in fun colors, too. The only downside is the fact that it’s on the heavier side, but if it’s made with good leather, with the exception of lambskin, you have to make some sacrifices.
Introducing my newest obsession: Lotuff and Clegg leather tote. All handmade in New England.
The medium bag is at a steep price of $730, but if/when I become willing to splurge that much for a tote bag (will be consulting with my mom soon), I think it’s a worthwhile investment. My emphasis is on the quality of a leather tote, and I have even spoken with someone who can attest to the quality of this bag.
Ahh, I want, I want, I want!!!
I… finally… did… it!!! Giving my very first two weeks notice. I feels quite liberating!
Yes, I am leaving my cubicle job at a consulting firm and joining a start-up called Maker Studios. I’ve tried my best to explain what Maker Studios does to non-digital-media-savvy people several times and I think the article (embedded with the name) explains best. I’m very excited to be part of this movement in “Silicon Beach” right here in L.A. I’ve had my qualms about staying down here in Southern California, and did everything I can in my own power to leave, but somethings aren’t just meant to be (or the timing isn’t right at the moment).
I’m looking forward to…
- Having more predictable work hours (no more red night all week long!)
- Picking up a hobby (and actually maintaining it)
- Working on things that I need to finish up (it’s been so long)
- Spending time with friends (do you guys remember me?)
- … and being happy!!!
I grabbed lunch with Dave today and he said that I already have the post-consulting glow going on… I guess it’s that noticeable already ;)
Good way to start off 2012 - it’ll be a good year!
