Pushing for more sustainability in consulting
I started at an MBB last year, and I’ve struggled with sustainability quite a bit and am looking for advice.
I’m going to start by pumping my own tires a bit (apologies in advance). I was lucky enough to start my career on some very important cases for my firm and found a lot of success quickly, which has led to me being repeatedly placed on my office’s most important projects since. My level of responsibility has increased meaningfully faster than average for my tenure (I’m ~2x-3x my tenure in terms of responsibility).
This was incredibly validating at first, but I’ve really started to struggle with some initial symptoms of burnout. The bar just keeps being raised on me because I’ve repeatedly delivered on tasks that I shouldn’t be asked to do in the first place as a first year, and clients have specifically shouted out my work on multiple cases. Further, the ‘important’ cases in the office tend to be grindshows, so I’m working considerably more than most of my classmates. It’s started to feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends given that I’m working higher hours under higher pressure than anyone else I know at my tenure.
It’s starting to feel like the job in this form isn’t ’worth it’. It’s structurally impossible for me to get promoted more quickly than my classmates, and because bonuses are such a small part of comp, I’ll only get paid slightly more than average in the best case scenario. I’ve had several conversations with staffers about needing some breathing room and more ‘average’ cases so that I don’t burn out (including one where I explicitly told them that I was going to leave if this continued), but those conversations seem to fall on deaf ears.
So, I’m wondering: does anyone have any advice for how to manage this? I’ve been told by some mentors to really start pushing back, and this has been helpful, but I really don’t think I can keep up this pace for much longer and am locked in on a project for the next 4 months.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps to address your situation:
Push Back Strategically: It's essential to set boundaries without jeopardizing your reputation. As one WSO thread suggests, frame your concerns around the quality of your work rather than the quantity. For example, communicate to your staffers or managers that the current workload is impacting your ability to deliver at the high standard they expect. This shifts the focus from you "complaining" to ensuring the firm's success.
Leverage Your Success: Your track record of delivering exceptional results gives you leverage. Use this to advocate for a more sustainable workload. Highlight that maintaining your current pace could lead to diminishing returns, both for you and the firm.
Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate small but consistent habits to recharge. Whether it's a workout, a hobby, or even a short vacation, carving out time for yourself is vital. As one WSO contributor noted, even a week off can provide clarity and help you reassess your priorities.
Reassess Your Goals: Reflect on whether the current trajectory aligns with your long-term aspirations. If the pace and lifestyle of consulting are unsustainable, consider exploring other roles like Corporate Development or Strategy, as mentioned in WSO threads. These paths often offer a better work-life balance while leveraging your consulting skills.
Seek External Support: If internal conversations with staffers aren't yielding results, consider reaching out to mentors or trusted colleagues for advice. They might have insights or strategies to navigate the firm's dynamics more effectively.
Communicate Firmly but Professionally: As one WSO thread suggests, when you're truly at your limit, it's okay to state the facts. For instance, if you've been crushed for several nights in a row, communicate that your work product is suffering and you need to rest to maintain quality.
Remember, sustainability in consulting is a marathon, not a sprint. If the current environment doesn't allow for a healthier balance, it might be worth exploring other opportunities that align better with your personal and professional goals.
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