What makes someone top bucket versus middle bucket?

I’m currently an a3 at a solid Midwest mm group, soon will be associate. I work in a relatively small team that’s ~15-20 people and it’s fairly laid back. I’ve been ranked middle / upper middle bucket every year and usually can log out before 9pm excluding a few busier weeks. I haven’t been striving to be the top analyst in our group but usually get things done efficiently and with good precision/quality, but I’ve recently started to wonder, what makes someone top bucket, and how about as an associate - in what ways do the standards change compared to those of an analyst? 

Can one be middle bucket consistently as an associate and become vp or do you have to be top bucket to be promoted? I’m the only analyst left in my class as the others have moved to PE a few months ago

7 Comments
 

Truly think about my comment before you hate.... people who have no life OR people who are truly passionate about the industry (5%). Most of us are just trying to get the job done and go home. If you want top bucket... well, you'll have to spend the 1-2 hours of free time you have after work to chill to keep working... its just not worth it for a couple extra after tax income. Fuck that man, go pursue your hobbies and work out or spend time with other people, fuck middle bucket to, just go bottom bucket and chill out.. just my 2 cents

 
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