How to Play and Win

In my haste to get a job after moving to a new city, I took a job that seemed perfect at the time. I had been in residential real estate for 3 ½ years, and an investment banker with a small staff hired me to work on a special project that would make use of my skills in residential property evaluation, aiding him in the pricing and acquisition of mortgage loans.

Well, the project never took off and while I am grateful that he has kept me on staff, I am doing nothing but making cold calls regarding commercial real estate loans all day long. Sometimes I get a filing project, but all of those are literally done now. I have tried to go into it with gusto, but given that I have no background in finance or commercial real estate, I have a lot of questions, and no one will answer them.

There are two other staff members, and the CEO and principal of the company is out of the office most of the time. While he is communicative in terms of accessibility, he is not willing to teach me and give me all of the background I need. The vice president is in the office, and is stuck in the position of having to deal with a very inexperienced colleague, and makes no effort to hide his frustration with me.

I have nothing to do but one task all day long, and no opportunity for growth. I get paid well, and have health insurance. I am looking for another job, clearly, but how do I deal with this in the meantime?

You’re doing lots of things right, but the culture and fit aren’t right for you. I’m glad to hear you’re looking for a new job.

I strongly suggest you read these books that will help you determine your key strengths and find a dream.

Dreamcrafting—I love this book. I recommend it highly.

Erika Andersen’s Being Strategic—it’s all about imagining your castle on the hill and crafting a plan to get there.

Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath