Should I leave consulting? I feel like I am not cut out for the job

Hi, 

I first wanted to say im sorry you’re experiencing this. 

Secondly, I want to say that what you're experiencing is incredibly common in consulting, especially for experienced hires transitioning from industry. 

The steep learning curve, shifting expectations, and varying management styles can make it feel like you're constantly playing catch-up. 

I don’t want to talk about the methods to improve because you’re clearly trying to address those and your feedback is reflective of that effort. (even though you had some up and down reviews.) I’d like to just address your options: 

1. If you choose to stay for now:

• Set boundaries around your work time to protect your health.
• Seek mentorship from others who have transitioned from industry to consulting, they may have insights on navigating these challenges.
• Remember that your managers are going to change for each project, what one likes on one project, the next one might not like - you’re NEVER going to be perfect for anyone, and you’re burning yourself out trying to get approval - just do the best that you can do
• Performance management is a different ball game, so you need a strategy: 
  • What gaps do you need to cover
  • what do you need to do to cover those
  • Who will be in your corner
  • Setting up regular check-points with your mentors in firm, your managers, your HR and your current leadership on the project that you’re on. 
  • Take active notes with examples of you covering all of your development areas - be explicity and detailed. Noone else will remember but you.
  • Actively work on the biggest development areas (another thing, if “attention to detail” keeps showing up as a recurring theme in your reviews, especially after you’ve actively tried to improve, it may be a precursor to a bigger problem because the industry demands a level of perfection. Again, this is just my experience.)

2. If things aren’t improving, taking a burnout leave could give you the clarity you need.

A month or two months away(or whatever they can allow) would allow you to step back, reassess, and decide whether this industry is truly the right fit, without the daily stress clouding your judgment.

During that time, you could:

• Talk to trusted mentors, other consultants, and loved ones to get different viewpoints.
• Observe how you feel away from work: do you miss the challenge, or does stepping away feel like relief?
• Explore other career paths to see what aligns with your skills and long-term goals.

Remember !!!

No industry is worth your mental and physical well-being.

Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion; it can take months to recover, and the effects can be long-lasting. Consulting is often called the “golden handcuffs” because of the “halo” effect and the prestige and pay keep people locked in, even when they’re unhappy.

But at the end of the day, you are not replaceable to yourself or your loved ones—only to the firm.

If you decide to leave, remember, you’ve already proven your resilience, you were in for more than a year, and whatever you do next, you’ll bring valuable experience with you.

3. If your goal is to leave on your own terms then it makes sense to start taking control of your transition now, rather than waiting for the firm to make the decision for you. 

You still have time to:

• Actively explore exit options before the review.
• Control your narrative: You leaving can be seen as proactive rather than after a negative performance review.

It’s clear you’re putting in the effort, but if consulting’s demand for perfection isn’t aligning with your work style and well-being, there’s no shame in making a strategic move. 

This is a very important topic in my opinion, one which is not discussed enough. 

Happy to discuss and good luck!!!

Hi there,

First of all, I must say that you are doing great looking for advice and help. This is a good way to overcome this situation.

Second, the feedback that you share is very common to post-MBA consultants. I start with this to highlight that there are many people who overcame this, some who tried, and some who did not even want to try to solve it. You are trying, so it is good. 

Please realize that in consulting, there are things in your control and things that are not and are part of the industry that won´t change.

Under your control: 

Your effort, knowledge, and emotions—how you improve—are included in this category. I suggest being really humble and talking with junior members of your company (people who have 2, 3, or more years doing consulting) and asking them how they improved their attention to detail and other complicated pieces of feedback you have. Put them into practice and keep trying. Remember, a key lesson of consulting is to ask the expert if you don´t know all the answers.

Not under your control:

Managers, iterations to review documents, pressure, and long working hours are part of the industry, and you cannot choose any of them. You need to learn how to manage complex situations that will appear because of any of these factors.

If the problem is under your control, stay and look for help. However, if the problem is outside your control and you don´t have the energy or motivation to tackle it, well the answer might not be at your current company.

I highly suggest talking with more people, especially people who know your context better (e.g., a mentor, friend, coach, etc.), to outline your decision. This is just a way to analyze your question but not career advice. 

Best,

Carlos

Hello there,

Consulting work can be extremely frustrating, I am so sorry you’re going through such a hard situation.

It is hard to evaluate whether you are “not cut out for the job”, or if it is a misalignment with your manager. Anyway, work isn’t supposed to make our life miserable, it’s supposed to sustain it and be one part of it. If you think things won’t get better, it may be a good idea to start looking for opportunities where you can learn and have an enjoyable work experience.  

Remember that your personal worth is not connected to your job, nor to your professional performance. Everybody makes mistakes, that’s being human. 

I wish you all the luck!

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

It sounds like you're in a really tough spot, and I can see why this situation is taking such a toll on you. Consulting is a high-pressure environment, and while learning curves can be steep, it’s incredibly frustrating when your effort isn’t translating into the results you expect - or when feedback feels inconsistent or subjective.

A few thoughts:

1. Your experience isn’t uncommon: Many consultants go through this, especially in the early years. Consulting feedback can be vague, shifting, and sometimes personal rather than purely performance-based. The issue may not be just "attention to detail" but a lack of clear expectations from your manager.
2. Manager fit matters a lot: It sounds like you've had mixed project experiences, and your current manager’s leadership style may not align with how you work best. Some managers guide and coach, while others just expect you to "get it." If you're constantly playing catch-up with unclear expectations, it's more about a bad match than a lack of capability.
3. HR performance review isn’t necessarily the end: It’s a stressful situation, but it doesn’t always mean you're on the way out. Sometimes, these reviews lead to structured support plans rather than immediate exits. Regardless, it's a sign that you should start actively thinking about your next move.
4. Leaving on your terms: You already had a plan to transition out of consulting, and while this timeline is being pushed up, that doesn't mean you're failing - it means you're adapting. If consulting isn’t giving you what you hoped for and is coming at the expense of your health, it’s completely okay to reassess and move on.
5. Next steps: Given the anxiety and stress this is causing, I'd suggest focusing on two things: (1) minimizing damage in the short term by managing expectations and delivering just enough to get through this phase, and (2) actively looking for your next role so you can leave when you're ready, not when someone else decides.

You're not alone in this. 

Many people feel consulting isn’t the right long-term fit, and that’s completely valid. Reach out if you need some personal feedback!

All the best,

Florian

Hey there, 

really sorry to hear that you are having a tough time! I know that in the moment it really sucks and most of us have been there one way or the other but trust me you will get through this. As to your questions, below my considerations: 

1. You got flagged for your review, hence, there will be extra attention (and honestly pressure) on your work and on you. Hard truth is that you probably now need to decide if you want to give it your all to get out of this and get promoted or if you want to look for alternatives. Jumping into interview processes while working is exhausting and takes away focus, hence, I doubt that you can do it while performing so well to get the flag removed. You have to decide which way to go. The best outcome (pure from a career perspective) would likely be to get the promotion and then leave but if you make a good move now, nobody will really care either. Consider your health and protect it. This is truly important

2. If you decide to work on the flag and give it another shot, you need to have some very open conversations with your manager. You need to be crystal-clear on what he wants and needs from you. I would probably also tell him about the flag and make clear to him that you want and need to work on those points and that he needs to help you (we can chat about this if you like). 

3. If they chose to manage you out despite you having tried to get the flag removed, you still have a decent amount of time to find something else while you are still getting paid from the company. Hence, that is not too bad either. 

Really hope the situation improves for you. Reach out anytime in case of questions or support required. 

Best,
Sebastian

The real question is: Do you enjoy being a consultant?

If you don't... then leave.

Sorry to hear about this frustrating experience. Unfortunately, this is very common for experienced hires joining consulting—on average, they last less than 12 months in MBB.

One key question beyond what others have mentioned: Who is mentoring you through this process?

Mentorship within your firm is extremely important in consulting, helping you navigate challenges that others have already faced and solved.

If you don’t have a mentor yet, find one with a similar background and build an honest relationship.

They can guide you through this situation while considering all the nuances of your current firm.

Best,

Alberto

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