Recently, I had to walk past my former office in this beautiful part of London. The walk made me reflect on the process of going through a transition. It was a really hard decision when I left the firm to change my career, because I liked my work and the culture there.
I was filled with nostalgia on that wintery morning, and it was particularly bittersweet because I was metaphorically and literally walking from one chapter in life – my journey in consulting – towards my new chapter – a medical conference.
I am grateful the experiences I had there filled me with warmth and good memories. I grew up there, from a young intern to a senior consultant, not only professionally but also personally.
But when I went past that morning, missing it and half wanting to go inside to relive it for a moment, it made me reflect on how just because something is not a part of your everyday anymore, it doesn’t mean it can’t still be a part of you as a person. I found comfort in the thought that you don’t lose those experiences and memories; they just form a part of your whole journey. And it doesn’t mean those paths can’t cross again.
The skills and experiences I had there have been serving me well – the professionalism I learned in interacting with clients has been invaluable in front of patients in medical school, and the technical skills have helped me with my research. I made friends and colleagues for life, who I am so thankful to still be in touch with.
My experiences there will always be a part of me and my journey, and I’m grateful for that. Transitioning doesn’t mean that the past never happened or that you have to forget it.
When I was there, I always heard the phrase “whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime”. But it’s only now that I truly understand what that means.
Preeti Kaur 