Hi all! I’m hoping for some advice :/ more details in comments

3 years in & tech consulting work leaves me disheartened, uninspired, like this can’t be life forever? My amazing teams are my main rock

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About me - I am thrilled by the teamwork & client interactions in consulting, as I really love people, laughing with people, building relationships. However, for me there is too much time spent at computers - decks, spreadsheets, etc. I waitressed in college and just loved talking to the cooks/customers for my entire shifts.

I also crave the mental challenge that comes with thinking through client problems and getting to solutions. I enjoy using my creativity to build future state processes, wireframes, arguments, proposals, etc. I taught high school abroad for a year and was so happy in every aspect of my life, save for the lack of mental challenge, which is why I came back to tech consulting, but am now wondering if a “simpler” life of waitressing or tutoring English or running an Airbnb is better. Alternatively, I’m wondering if maybe there exists better people-focused, “doing good” consulting that doesn’t result in this disheartened/uninspired/is this really it feeling? Too much optimism perhaps? Haha

Still, a main qualm of mine is also feeling like I’d disappoint my family who sacrificed a lot if I simply went to bartending or something like that. I personally think that talking to people every day and learning a specific skill (even if unconventional) is great, just don’t think they do.

Does anyone else feel like this? Has anyone made changes as a result? Alternatively, any/all advice, warnings, words of motivation, fortune cookie predictions, etc. are so welcome. Thanks for reading

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If you think human capital is better - DONT THINK SO. A lot of human capital work is restructuring. Takes a toll on your soul.

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I think we all go through that at one point or another. I have the itch every 3 years or so. Leading a meaningful and impactful life is important. However for most of us 180 degree change is probably not what we are looking for and even if we are, a lot of times it is a journey not an overnight phenomenon. For me it’s kind of like being vegetarian , id love to get there. I try to do my part. I try to shop responsibly. I eat more fish and veggies than anything else and certainly much more than I have in the past but I also have low iron and love bacon. So most of the time I get 60-80% there. Not perfect, but still an impact. My point is make sure you understand what the lifestyle you want is, what the pros and cons are, maybe give it a try, and the decide whether you want to fully commit to it.

This job isn’t easy. It’ isn’t always clean. It can eat you alive if you let it. As could every other job. But this job also comes with financial freedom, influence as you progress through the ranks and an opportunity to impact your community.

All of the large firms have significant corporate social responsibilities budgets, we are active in communities, many non-profits, we do pro-bono work, we have always been on the forefront of many social issues because people is our business, we are able to influence social policy. If you’re looking for meaning, there are many opportunities to get involved and make an impact.

If you’re looking for happiness, that’s harder, it changes as you get older and your life changes and enjoying your work is just a part of it.

Finally, your point about upsetting other people in your life. If they love you, they will understand. We only have one life. Not living it fully is not the right answer.

Good luck!

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Thank you!! I think I’m looking for making an actual impact and happiness in work so yes is hard, but that’s great advice

YES I FEEL LIKE THIS. Considering switching to human capital or doing business development or product management or marketing

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all the time. Thinking of MBA to move to product strategy or some exciting role in HC or similar

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Look for roles in industry! Whether it’s ‘do-good’ or just something more people/customer focused. Consulting isn’t the only option, although it sometimes feels that way.

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Thank you!! I should start doing that. I sometimes wonder for industry if I’d be bored with not switching projects/teams as frequently? Otherwise I think that a company that does something kinda good could be a great fit for me :)

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Maybe you could transition to recruiting?

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Oh my gosh I could have written this post. Could you maybe try another group outside of tech? I’m on that path now, but still in that “fun” start of a project so not sure if this is the right path yet. Good luck!

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I feel this 100%. I’ve been in tech consulting for about 3 years and sometimes I miss working at restaurants too, which is crazy! I hate working at a desk. It’s led me to consider going to grad school, take classes, explore other jobs and careers. You’re not alone.

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