“At 6 months, people will change jobs, at 1 year, babies start popping out and at 1.5 years divorces start to happen” –Anonymous INSEAD alumnus
If that quote is true, then god knows what’s going to happen at 2, 5, and 10 years. Why it would take you 1.5 years to work out that the sweaty guy you face licked that one momentous Montmelian night is not for you I have no idea.
I had an elderly alumnus inform me that his year “had the highest death rate of any year”. Er, okay, so how is that local sports team doing again? While definitely hoping my year doesn’t come anywhere near that infamous record, it is interesting to note how the partying refuses to die. Put two INSEADers in a room and they will find some way to make a party out of it. And you definitely feel the obligation to go and see everyone “just one last time”.
It’s good to feel that obligation; it means you have found at least some heart during the year and still want to chase it, to make it stay and experience it all over again. People talk about wanting the year to stop, to slow down and reverse. But seriously, do you honestly have the energy to do another year at that intensity? I know I do not, and while I am sad to leave great friends and experiences, I am looking forward to the next chapter in the story of my life.
The INSEAD goodbye seems to be fairly drawn out. There are the hugs, the kisses, the promises to see each other all over the world again, some even sacrificing a great deal to be with partners they only met this year. Then there’s the awkward seeing them again downstairs on the way to school/supermarket/Uncle’s uh, didn’t I just say a long, heartfelt, drawn out goodbye to you? Well, er, see ya!!!
So where will we all end up? Some are exhausted and never want to travel ever again. Some still have the energy left for that one last big push. Others have a 15 country round the world trip in 10 days planned. Me? I just want a good cup of tea and a lie down.
It is noticeable how few people found their “dream job”. Some have managed to change 2 of the 3 infamous axes (function, geography and industry). Others have said screw you all, I’m going home (and then looking for work next year). And yet others have only managed to change 1 one of the axes. It seems very few managed that big leap after the MBA, which is apparent only really possible maybe 2-3 years out of the course.
So, this is the end. Although with INSEAD, it never really ends, it just never dies. And that, truly, is a good thing in this world.
For those who knew me, I wish you fantastic times in whatever you do.
Awesome post! Right on the mark.
Best of luck! You’ll be missed. Keep writing.
Nice post roomie, was waiting for it for a while. Wish you fantastic times too.