[sushi222]

Hi everyone! I moved to LA from China five years ago (sorry for my grammar!) and after graduating college got a position in SALT at a Big 4. I been working there past two years and am now moving to other Big 4, also in LA.

My first week as Staff my current job, I had senior who did not like me. I not sure why, never had any problems with anyone else in the firm and am leaving on good terms. Coincidentally, this person also moved to firm I will be working for, as well as same group and specialty. He been working there for awhile but I had no idea. Yes, it is small world. Is my reputation there doomed before I even start? Do you think it is possible to change industry when I start?

[fuzyfro89]

Why do you need to run from this person? Presumably, in another year, you will be a senior and won't be reporting to them.

You will come across many people that you dislike (or that dislike you) in your career. Unless it interferes with your ability to get things done, you have to learn to deal with it. Keep it professional.

You didn't add many details regarding why they seem to not like you, so I'll just accept it to be true.

Unless they walk in the door and start gossiping about you, then I don't see why your reputation is doomed. For what it's worth, business is less personal in the US than in Asia. Don't get me wrong, reputation is very important, but senior/managers/partners can't just walk around with bad opinions for no reason… at least not forever.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you do, do not bring up in the new job environment that the person does not like you. Do the best you can and act like you are not aware that there is ill will. Your performance speaks much louder than their words.

[Author]

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