Where to start?!
First, I experienced very little professional development. I persoanlly felt my managers didn't provide a lot of inspiration and didn't facilitate skill development.
Second, the salary package forced me to take a car as part of the remuneration. This was the biggest mistake I could have ever make. In the end, I paid much for using the car for a single year than I ever benefitted from it. And while the car was not bad, it was utterly NOT suited for driving in Brussels 9BE in general) and parking there. In the end, I paid 600 eur to the car fleet company for damages that were not even my fault.... Ludicrous!
Third, the general consultancy environment doesn't make you feel as part of a team. You're neither fully working at CapGemini, nor t the client. I really struggled with this lack of belonging. As a result, I felt alone, without any support of the team. I stayed there only 1 year as I coulnd't take anymore that mental frustration and desperation.
Fourth, culturally, I just didn't bond with locals. They had their own club there and non-Flemish people could hardly get in there. Also, I wasn't a fan of the general vibe. It just didn't have any vibe.
Finally, the management and even young professionals that start working there - all feel like they've sold their souls for money. Their only goal is to get a more expensive, nicer car and bigger bonus at the end of the year. The place is built to celebrate and reward bullies and those who speak loud. For people that are more intravert and humble, that may not be the best environment. I took an enourmous mental hit and felt depressed and anxious all 12 months. So, my takeaway was - never work for a consultancy firm again, never agree to a car as part of the salary package and avoid overrated, arrogant and bad managers!
