January: The Lazy Month of Chill and Hibernation

Embracing the Winter Slumber

January has always been the month of hibernation—the cold, lazy mornings making it almost impossible to leave the warmth of the bed. This year was no different for me. The biting chill kept me from waking up early, and as a result, I skipped the gym on most days. The motivation to stay active just wasn’t there, and I let the winter blues take over.

The Promotion Dilemma and Sleepless Nights

While January was physically lazy, mentally, it was anything but. The thought of my promotion in the bank became a source of stress and anxiety, affecting my sleep. The much-anticipated promotion interview on January 7th turned out to be a rather unpleasant experience.

I felt as if I was personally targeted during the interview. The panel seemed to deliberately avoid my specialization, asking me about unrelated topics instead. It left me feeling bad—pushed into a corner where my expertise held no value. This experience triggered a flood of negative emotions about banking, reminding me why I had taken reversion eight years ago.

A Crossroad: Stay or Move On?

The emotional turmoil forced me to rethink my future. I found myself at a crucial crossroads:

1. Should I resign and look for a better job?

2. Or should I take the promotion and at least move ahead rather than remain stagnant?

It took me a few days to process my thoughts and accept that it was time to take the next step. Whether within the bank or beyond, I knew I couldn't afford to stay stuck in one place any longer.

A Positive Start: Cycling Again

Amidst all the uncertainties, there was one silver lining—I finally started cycling on weekends. It's been years since I last rode a bicycle, and rediscovering this simple joy brought a refreshing change. The cool breeze, the open roads, and the feeling of movement helped clear my mind, even if just for a while.

Looking Ahead

January was a month of introspection, dilemmas, and small but meaningful steps. While I struggled with my career decisions, I also rekindled a lost passion. As I step into February, I hope to find more clarity, make firm decisions, and embrace progress—whether in banking or elsewhere.

For now, I take one day at a time.

Have you ever felt stuck between staying in your comfort zone or taking a risk? How did you deal with it? Let me know in the commentsq!