The past year has taught me that although I have the potential to achieve great things by myself, I can do so much more when I ask for help.

In Katie's third instalment of her first year out diary she has some very exciting news - she's moved to London to start a job for a finance firm.

Read Part 1 of Katie's Diary, published in September 2020.

Read Part 2 of Katie's Diary, published in January 2021.

Having a month...to leave my job, pack my things, and move away from my home and friends was a bit of a whirlwind.

Since my last graduate diary update a lot has changed. I left my job, I left home, and I’ve started my career.

The complacency I had been feeling in my last update didn’t disappear instantly. I still felt stuck, and I still found myself not being as motivated as I had hoped. I knew that I wanted to move away from Norfolk and begin my career, but I still couldn’t quite figure out how.

In mid-March I decided it was time to do something. I contacted a recruiter who helped my friend find a job, and a week and a half later I had signed the contract to start at a finance firm in London. The job was to start in a month. I was elated. Things were finally getting started.

Having a month, however, to leave my job, pack my things, and move away from my home and friends was a bit of a whirlwind.

Finding a place to live in a new city is hard enough but doing it in a pandemic adds in some extra hurdles. I was joining housing groups on Facebook, hunting online, asking friends if they knew anyone looking for a flat or a housemate. I had always imagined having a few months minimum to move, as you do for a grad scheme, and so this quick turnaround really threw me.

Thankfully, through reaching out I managed to find a place to live for a few months so I can find my feet in London before committing to a more permanent address. In all honesty it really is my ideal situation.

Now I’m here, in London. And, although I’m two days into my new role, I can honestly say that it was the best possible decision for me.

The financial industry I am now working in is a complete change from the customer service role I had been used to over the past 9 months. I’ve gone from working from home to working in an office again, and it’s confirmed to me that I thrive when surrounded by my colleagues and faced with new challenges.

The past year has taught me that although I have the potential to achieve great things by myself, I can do so much more when I ask for help. By reaching out to others I secured a fantastic job, a great place to live and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

There was no way I could have done this alone and I think that’s why I had been struggling so much. Since my last update I have learnt to embrace the help offered to me both in my personal and professional life. As I settle into my new team and find my place I hope to continue with this openness and embrace as well as return the support.