Should I quit McKinsey?

Hi there,

it really depends on your goal:

• Do you see yourself working in VC/startups long term? Then the VC opportunity is definitely attractive.
• Are you unsure of what you want to do next? Then consulting could be a safer place.

In any case, the fact you are experimenting burnout is a sign you should probably look for a new opportunity.

Personally, I moved to VC after BCG and was the best decision I could make.

Best,

Francesco

Hello!

Totally depends on (1) how interesting you find the position and (2) which exit opportunities you have. 

In you shoes, I would start exploring the market: 

• Looking for opportunities
• Talking to some head hunters
• etc. 

Then, whever you have some tangible offers on the table, you can decide with real facts, comparing real offers. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi There,

It's really hard to give an opinion without having sufficient details e.g., your background, goal, how long have you been with the firm, what kind of VC you are applying to.

Personally, I would not quit unless it's one of proven/later stage VC (Sequoia, Lightspeed, etc) or becoming a top leader (Venture Partner, Principal) at mid-size VC.

Hi,

of course it depends on you. After one year of MBA and internship I would say: NO!!

Mckinsey is an amazing place to be, you feel in a big family, that you belong there, you have so many benefits and so many perks available for you. Everything rotated around you (people doing slides, people doing research, people development) and so many people willing to help you for whatever reason, even the ones you have never met in your life.

I have never found the same environment in another place

Giulia

Hi!

Very difficult to give a concrete answer tailored to your situation, but let me hint you at a couple of interesting articles which might help you to develop a solid view:

• What I learned from moving out of consulting --> https://www.movemeon.com/insight/4-invaluable-lessons-i-learnt-from-my-move-out-of-consulting/
• Where do consultants go? --> https://www.movemeon.com/insight/where-do-consultants-go/
• Which pays best, staying in consulting or leaving? --> https://www.movemeon.com/insight/which-pays-best-staying-in-consulting-or-leaving/

I hope this is helpful.

Cheers, Sidi

Hello,

Obviously it depends on what you prefer, but considering that you are already experiencing burnout and that you are not offically a consultant, I would suggest to join VC funds. 
In addition to that, I would fear that they would ask you to become officially a consultant as a new hire BA despite your actual experience.

Best,
Luca

Hi there,

First, good luck in your decision, and, appreciate the fact that you have this hard decision to make!

There's a lot of feedback here, but I'm going to boil it down to something I live by: Future Regret Minimization!

Two years from now, picture yourself....which will you regret more:

1) Still being at McKinsey and thinking about where you could be in the VC firm

OR 2) Having moved to the VC and thinking about where you could be at McKinsey

Hi,

Yes, it obviously depends on how you feel ?  Can I ask you how long have you been working for McK?

Hi there,

It depends on whether VC is something you want to do in the longer term. If so, then go for it. 

Just want to point out 2 observations from what I learn from my friends and ex-colleagues who moved to VC. 

(1) It is not necessarily easier. Yes you would have more control of your time, but to really excel in the job, you could be putting in the similar hours as consulting. So you need to manage the burnout issue as well.

(2) There would be a lot less support or hand-holding in VC, even in the top firms. It would be more linke a "swim or sink" environment. You need to be mentally prepared for that to figure out your own rope.

Best,

Emily 

My personal opinion

1. You have to enjoy McKinsey to be there. It is VERY demanding and if you are going to be marginally unhappy throughout you will not be able to perform well

2. You definitely need to become a BA, knowledge track is good for very specialized roles not for getting into PE/VC and general consulting

3. Going to VC is a temporary solution unless that is exactly what you want to do. If you are merely running away from your job even VC will not be exciting after a few months. Why not see what is really worrying you and what sort of job will actually help?

If you are burned out now and it is not related to a particular project, becoming a BA is not going to be any different given that you already do the role. Going to VC may help in the short term but for longer term you have to be doing what excites you

Best,

Udayan

Hi there,

It’s up to you. That’s difficult to suggest anything.

Explore VC more and try to get what is more interesting for you consulting or VC.

But don’t quit until you get an offer.

Do you need any further help?

All the best, 

GB