Stuck in a Grad Program That Feels Too Narrow? Here's What to Do

A listener on a graduate program asks: "I'm not learning what I expected. The role feels narrow. I want to be an entrepreneur. What should I do?"

Cathal and Annette tackle this question with practical advice that applies to ANYONE feeling stuck in a narrow role, not just graduates.

Plus: Cathal shares what it was like meeting Dermot Kennedy (and whether he lived up to expectations).

IN THIS EPISODE:

- Why large organisations are "friend factories"

- The 5 things to do when your role feels limiting

- How to use "easy" time for work-life balance

- Side hustles vs full-time entrepreneurship

- Getting involved in company-wide projects

- Why you won't know what you learned until later

- Meeting Dermot Kennedy: Did he live up to expectations?

- The Tig Notaro/Taylor Dayne story everyone should hear

ANNETTE'S 5 PIECES OF ADVICE:

When your job feels too narrow or not challenging enough:

1. Find your people - Your workplace is a "friend factory." Build friendships that create belonging and resilience.

2. Use the time wisely - If work is easy, use that space for work-life balance, volunteering, or building future skills.

3. Reflect deeply - Name exactly what frustrates you, then counter it with innovation projects or improvements.

4. Find mentors/coaches - Shadow people, join employee action groups, get guidance from those ahead of you.

5. Give it time - You won't know what you learned until you're in your next role. Patience reveals the value.

CATHAL'S ADVICE:

- Talk to your manager about getting involved in company-wide projects

- Consider a side hustle on weekends (test entrepreneurial ideas)

- Join internal committees (People Development, Innovation, etc.)

- Give it a year before making big decisions

- Be proud you got the role - grad programs are incredibly competitive

KEY INSIGHTS:

"Your workplace is a friend factory. Spend time finding your people and making friends at work. Those friendships build belonging, purpose, and resilience when the day-to-day isn't energising you." - Annette

"You probably won't really know what you've learned from this time until the future comes and you go, 'I grew there, I learned about myself.'" - Annette

"Give it a year. You're already six months in. Talk to your manager, get involved in other projects, maybe do a side hustle on weekends." - Cathal

RESOURCES:

Website: betteratwork.net

Instagram: @bet