Fourth Day of My Consulting Project

This is the fourth day of my consulting project. Can't believe how fast it goes...

Yesterday is by far the best day. Don't get me wrong, "best" does not means there is nothing to do. Quite oppositely, I achieved lots of things -- the interview, drafted the basic app map, and most importantly, have a awesome Italian dinner at 10pm.

It is a nice restaurant and inside the Westin hotel. The good thing about being a consulant is that I don't need to spend any money when I am in a study. I followed my buddy and ordered Boston lobster and steak. It is more than $50 for the single dish, but nobody cared... I must say, it is the best steak I have ever had. But for lobster, I still think the one in Little Peach Garden Restaurant at Boston is the world-class, but this one is not bad either. After the awesome food, we had some hand-made ice cream. That's aweful... I, could make better one.

This morning, a litte bit late, I went to the gym. Did not spent a full hour there. But it is great to exercise. When I headed to breakfast, a waitress said "Sir, you look sooooo happy and energetic today. Anything good?" "Only gym in the morning." Yes, it is true. I love gym now. I can continue the topic yesterday about gym for ten pages, back and front. But I prefer to do instead of talking. (See, I am changing...)

This afternoon, my teammates began to discuss my situation in the team room - whether to come back to McKinsey for full time and future career stuffs. I do wish to get the return offer. McKinsey is a great company. I still remembered that how hard it is to turn down Bain's partner. That's a great firm too and maybe better life style, at least what most consultants say. But my reason for choosing McK is clear -- McK alumni network, network that I already built, broad range of industry, fame, and most importantly, I simply could not turn down Eli, Elena, Kevin, and Jiab who helped me tons in finding a consulting job. They demonstrated how nice McK ppl are and how can I say NO to them?!

Lucikly, so far my experience in the firm is quite positive. Long working hour doed make me feel tired and frustrated sometime. But how can I blame nature of the job?! I guess it just take time for me to switch from fantastic relaxing student life at Duke to a consultant's.

I am also thinking about the second project I might take after this. Our project might end at early/mid July, which means that I have another 3-4 weeks for my internship. How about a DD project? I know it will be tough. But a great learning experience is attractive as well. And also it open a door for me to taste consultant's nightmare project. Why not? Maybe I should ask Eli and Kevin.

After that, I mean my internship, I plan to travel. Craig has not replied me about his booking infomration yet. No matter what, I really want to go Tibet this time. At least visit the base camp is something I need to do. If possible, I also want to travel more to Nepal or countries nearby. That would be awesome.

Need to get back to Spending analysis now. Peace out.

Squeeze time

I am now squeezing time to write blog everyday. Not that I really want to, but I think I need to. Kind of feeling that the whole work and life is like a huge mountain in front of me. Try to move it, and slowly.



Trying to stick to gym plan everyday, but failed yesterday due to project reason. I went back to hotel around 11pm and talked with Joe for half an hour. I need the talk, seriously. I was joking that every time when I see a summer associate like me, I am like finding a saver. It is good to share my experience and thoughts so far with people who is doing similar things and at same stage. That's good.

So, go back to the gym stuff. I went to gym this morning. It is truly hard to get up when I was only in bed for a little bit more than six hours. But no matter what I jumped out of the bed and headed to the gym.


Ironically, I loved gym now. I used to say that there is no reason people want gym while there are so many great outdoor sports going on. I used to think that even if jogging on the street is better than gym. But now my idea was smashed. Gym is nice. Because you are not alone there. You can feel that there are tons of people who also strike to make their body better. And the second reason is the nice condition -- constant environment, air-con, ..... (End of today's thoughts)

Be positive

Just checked out Quan's photo at Shanghai. It is awesome! There are so many happy moment and so much fun. Life should be like that. I think one thing I really need to work on is how to be more flexible, not very dominant, and always want to be superior. Those characteristic really thanks to my Dad. I know that I have changed a lot. But there is still a long way to go. Seize every day, enjoy the moment, even if it is tough and I am so fucking tired.

The life as a consultant is not easy. True that First Class travel, best hotel stay, and pretty good money. But the life style... I just started my new project this week. It is not easy. I am the youngest one and least experience person in the team. I did not get a very important part. But that's all right with me. The first step is always not that easy so take it slowly. My team is pretty good. My manager is a nice person, my Buddy is a great guy, and Sen is a perfect teacher. I am learning, slowly, but progressing. I think that's important at least.

I am a little lost in my life right now. Who I could blame? Blame the stupid Chinese education system that forbid me to be with the girl I loved when I was in middle school? Blame the fucking jerk? Blame that I don't have everything I want? Blame the bad weather? Bull shit! There is no one to blame. This is the one thing I should always remember -- no one I can change except myself. Anyway, let me try again...

Some truth. It is the second day of my project, but got the feeling of tired. Guess because have not worked for a whole year... And also because that I am kind of without direction of the part I am responsibile of. I need to figure it out by myself. Something wrong, dude! I should be more posistive. I know it is not easy, sitting in a small room, team member all went to interview clients, and no music I can listen to. But just like what's said in BTX, you can be the Sun and shine because you have a piece of the Sun in your blood --> Let it shine! Sure that's a nice attitude.

Coooool dude. Let me get back to work. I need to finish the whole list of tasks today! Peace out.