Has anyone worked at a Big Four consulting firm and at a boutique consulting firm? I’m trying to get an idea of the work–life balance and the main differences between them.

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Yes but it is highly variable. My WLB at the boutique firm as a Senior Director responsible for a practice areas was brutal but even for my team, we lacked the tools and processes that I had when I was in the Big4.

The tradeoff though was that I made a lot more money than I would have in any role at the Big4 other than an equity partner.

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Exactly the same for me. Way worse WLB at a boutique, but much higher upside.

As always though, culture carries the day and that can’t be assessed in the abstract.

I’ve been around the block. Boutique firm is too vague to address this question - too high variability. Generally speaking, what matters are the rates the consulting shop is charging clients. MBB charge 2-3x of B4 (not always) - that allows to hire and retain best talent, provide perks, and nice TC. B4 are not up and out, have higher tolerance to underperformers, and overall slow and uninspiring career path plus mediocre choice of projects.

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Supporting BD and firm development is a non-negotiable at a boutique firm. Big 4 will afford you a lot more space to manage your capacity without scrutiny.

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At Accenture Strategy (which is B4 Adjacent) and hoenstly WLB wasn't too bad; 40-60 hours.

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