Working in consulting firms can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Long working hours, overworking, and the pressure to perform can take a toll on mental health. Consultants often leave home when their family is still sleeping and return when the children have already gone to bed. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as co-workers become the only friends.
Consulting ranked sixth in a recent ranking of the most stressful jobs in financial services. This is due to the income-generating component of the job, which can lead to high levels of stress. For junior consultants, especially at major league firms, they may be part of a team that advises companies that are already doing well. Working for big system integrators can have its drawbacks, especially when it comes to large consulting firms such as Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG and Capgemini.
Political issues are common in these firms, and this can add to the stress of the job. Additionally, the pace of progress is often slow, which can be frustrating for those who want to move up quickly. The consulting skill set can be used for better or worse, and professionals who lack a strong work ethic or who can't work long hours aren't usually successful in consulting. As a consultant, you will influence the functioning of large organizations around the world.
This means that there is a lot of pressure to perform well and deliver results. Finally, there is a high turnover rate in the consulting sector due to people using it as a springboard to start a different career or returning to business school. This has meant that many consulting leaders are now doing work that they would have previously assigned to junior professionals. Overall, working in consulting firms can be rewarding but also incredibly stressful. It requires dedication and hard work, but it can also lead to great opportunities for those who are willing to put in the effort.
