Serious withdrawal/guilt after joining McK
Recently joined M. Firm does not seem as “shiny” or upbeat as it was when I was an intern and there’s so many negative headlines lately about ‘evil’ things that the firm has been involved in. Thinking about ways to exit within the next couple of months here.
I guess my question is do I either tune out all the negative energy and guilt that I feel for being associated with this place OR look to jump ship. I don’t think it’s good to have this place on my CV going forward. Any other general thoughts welcome.
Obligatory statement : I’m aware of how fortunate I am to have received an offer and how lucky I should feel.
Could be off but from what I heard, at least try to stick it out for a year else it'll just look like you can't handle MBB if you leave in such a short time. One year is more of a "tried it, could do the work but not a good fit" kind of situation.
On the whole ethical dilemma of consulting as an industry, with McKinsey being the spotlight as of late with the book, Last Week episode and such, I'd say none of the consultancies or professional service firms are clean. It's an unfortunate byproduct that there is work to be done in industries like Tabacco, Oil, Private Equity, Pharma, and others. I'd say you can look to focus your time on industries or clients you would like to exit to in a year's time and focus on building a transferrable skillset. The McKinsey brand carries a lot of weight, but the exit opportunities are often highly correlated to what projects you get staffed on and what skills you develop. If you work on 5-10 Commercial Due Diligence Projects or Investment Thesis developments for a PE Fund beginning it's funding cycle, that opens the door to PE/VC. If you work on a CPG revenue optimization and go-to-market strategies, that opens the door to corporate strategy/corporate finance in the CPG industry, etc.
I would strongly advise sticking it out for a year (maybe until after first year bonuses are paid) and then part ways.
I’ve always found the ethical dilemma of the work they do in oil, gas, pharma etc as a source of cognitive dissonance. On one hand, yes, finding out how to make a coal mine more profitable rarely feels like saving the world.
However, I’m very happy using the benefits of coal fired electricity, being medicated with pharmaceuticals where required and the like. Just because one doesn’t touch that industry directly doesn’t mean it’s not demanded and hence required.
Yes there are scandals and overstepping clear lines as in any industry.
End of the day the consulting industry provides a service required for capitalism. It’s not doing gods work. Arguing its morality to me is more about the system in which it operates…not the firms themselves
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice that might help you navigate your current situation:
Assess Your Feelings and Situation:
Tune Out Negative Energy:
Consider Exiting:
Identity Boundaries:
Clinical Assessment of Risk:
Mental Health and Well-being:
Long-term Perspective:
By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether to stay at your current firm or seek new opportunities.
Sources: Walking away from buyside after associate years, Response to 'PE Associate Jumps to Death' -> Resources and Tips for those who may be struggling, Dealing with PM (equities) who is trying to limit your progress, The end of my journey, How Do You Deal With the BB Sweatshop Hours?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice that might help you navigate your current situation:
Assess Your Feelings and Values:
Create Options:
Plan Your Breaks:
Identity Boundaries:
Clinical Assessment of Risk:
Negative Visualization:
Seek Professional Help:
Long-Term Perspective:
By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether to stay at your current firm or seek new opportunities.
Sources: Walking away from buyside after associate years, Response to 'PE Associate Jumps to Death' -> Resources and Tips for those who may be struggling, Dealing with PM (equities) who is trying to limit your progress, How Do You Deal With the BB Sweatshop Hours?, The end of my journey
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice that might help you navigate your current situation:
Assess Your Feelings and Situation:
Tune Out Negative Energy:
Consider Exiting:
Identity Boundaries:
Mental Health and Breaks:
Long-Term Perspective:
Guilt and Privilege:
Create Options:
By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether to stay at McKinsey or look for a new opportunity that better aligns with your values and career goals.
Sources: Walking away from buyside after associate years, Response to 'PE Associate Jumps to Death' -> Resources and Tips for those who may be struggling, Dealing with PM (equities) who is trying to limit your progress, The end of my journey, Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout
Honestly they’re not much better or worse than the corporate world in general - which as advertised (capitalism) is profit driven. That can feel distressing when you start work.
McKinsey has been hit over the years with scandals. Its brand has not been destroyed and is still seen as a great training ground.
End of the day you’ve started at a great place. There are plenty of partners there that have a social conscience and have found a work balance that makes them sleep ok at night — find those people. You don’t need to stay there forever. Get a couple years under your belt, take the experience. It will pay dividends for you in getting a better position in a place you’re excited about. If you don’t know where that is, it’s also a great way to explore.
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