Continue in FAANG Data Science or pursue McK?

Hi all,


A little background: I graduated from a top UK target with a degree in stats. I did two internships at a BB in IBD; despised the hours (and didn't like the work), and luckily was able to go to a FAANG where I am currently working as a technical analyst - comp after 4 years is 160K EUR. This should go up pretty materially in the next few years, but money is really not a big driver for me (I live on 50% of my net income at most).

My 3 year goal is to work either on the analytics or PM side in an interesting tech company, either in FAANG or external, in healthcare or autonomous vehicles in the next few years with good hours. 

I am currently doing a project at my FAANG on something that is close to a dream role (data science in that org), so it should be within reach in the next year or so. The main reason I joined FAANG is because of lifestyle (I currently work 30-40 hours per week, and on the technical side this is pretty normal even for high performers) and that I like the nitty gritty data stuff a lot more than most. Being able to date actively, travel loads, work out 8x a week, read a book per week are all things I value a huge amount.

I've recently had a recruiter at McK reach out to me about a relatively mellow office (Ams/CPH/Oslo) for a regular consulting role. 

My undergrad was not at a target, so I'm still sensitive to the brand name, but I'm scared I'm pursuing prestige and will end up working way more hours (which will make me less happy) to exit to a role I could've gotten as well (without the stress) from where I am now.

I'm also conscious that McK is a really strong brand name, and that I might be undervaluing 1-2 years at McK on my CV even if I want to be on the technical side of things.

Given my goals and reservations about the lifestyle, does it make sense for me to pursue McK?

 
ConsultingQs

If WLB is important, stick in your current role. 
 

Most people in consulting are trying to exit to FAANG anyways

At the post-MBA level, most people are trying to leave for FAANG. To be honest, at the post-undergrad level, very few of my fellow AC/BA/As were interested in big tech (much more in PE or startups). If anything, many had already interned at FAANG in technical roles but decided to go full-time in consulting

 

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