What makes people stay in consulting for long term

Hi guys, I'm heading to one of the MBB after graduation and during the interviewing process, I spoke to a few people who have been with that firm for quite a period of time (5-13 years). One of the partners who interviewed me basically brought that firm to the region. As someone who has quite broad interests in business (read: yes I have no idea what I'm going to do long-term) and who hasn't even started my consulting journey yet. I was wondering what keeps people in consulting that long despite the grueling travel schedule (or what kind of people stay for longer term). I often hear the logic: bad performers are managed out, best performers move on to something better, average performers stick with the firm. It's a nice theory but I'm sure it's not all the truth.

It would be nice to hear seasoned consultants in this broad share about their perspectives. How long are you gonna stay in this, if not, how do you normally decide it's time to leave?

Thank you all for your inputs. I would love to hear everyone's perspective although experience with MBB would be more relevant to my case.

 
redninja:
Could it be that they gasp like their job?

This. If you get involved with a good group of partners who have your back, you can:

1) Do really interesting work solving complex problems 2) Work with cool clients 3) Get a ton of variety 4) Be on teams with a bunch of really smart people

There's also the money, of course - it's not HF / PE / IB money, but it's pretty good. And I also think the people you work with are a big factor - you get used to being part of a group of high-caliber people (mostly). I've had a few clients joke with me about joining them, and it always gives me nightmares to imagine working with them full time for more than 3-4 months.

 

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