Hi folks! Young AC from Bain here. I've been with Bain for ~6 months now as my first non-internship position. From the very beginning I'm staffed at DD's with basically no work-life balance and almost 70h work week. It seems unbearable for me and I feel exhausted and maybe even depressed. What is your advice? Shall I just admit that Consulting is not for me and strive for a job somewhere else? Or maybe grit my teeth and spend some time here hoping for Corp. Cases?

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First of, I am sending you some strength, keep up the good work and do not despair. You will get through this.
Second, if you want to exit consulting and that’s completely understandable (not everybody wants to sell his soul for some extra money), plan it at least after 2 YOE. You will have built a strong and reputable experience on your CV.
In the meantime, try to position yourself on functions and industries that matter to you and where you will eventually exit. Try to build that deeper knowledge (sometimes technical) in your areas of interest through your engagement and trainings.
Best of luck budd.
PS: don’t fear to share your personal issues with your mentor, closest colleagues and manager! Don’t keep anything to yourself. That will help for sure.

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Thanks for all of the heartworming words, that is really cheering me up!

Being in PEG is definitely a different experience than GP! Would definitely recommend voicing to your sponsor and staffing manager how you’re feeling to accelerate getting out of PEG. That’ll be a better view of whether you want to stick with consulting. Feel free to message me if you need help with how to message that

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I’d recommend posting in the Bain bowl to get more targeted advice here. Based on your comment, I’d guess you’ve spent your first ~6 months in PEG, which is the worst WLB at Bain. DDs are not an accurate representation of any GP project that you’ll do once you finish your rotation, which I assume should happen soon given rotations are ~6 months. Wouldn’t throw in the towel until you’ve completed some GP cases

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WLB comes after financial independence

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It’s your life, no one can tell you what you should prioritize at this stage of your life bc everyone has different priorities! If you’re young and value WLB that is valid and you shouldn’t be shamed into thinking you shouldn’t have it

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Move over to general practice! You’ve served your fair 6 month sentence in PEG. I’m in the same spot (but have been here a year longer) and PEG has some serious detrimental affects on mental health that no one talks about. Get on a more sustainable GP case AND THEN think about whether consulting is right for you.

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You should have a conversation with your PD advisor and staffing. Overall people really care about making consulting a sustainable experience at Bain so I would seek out the conversation. Diligences are always stressful, especially when you start out and don't have much reps yet. I would not draw conclusions for overall consulting from this.

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Agreed.

Network with partners in CPG/tech sectors as in my experience those projects have chiller clients - > better WLB!

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Can confirm. I’m quite chill and in normal times we offer food/snacks/perks to our consultants.

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Just say no to DDs.

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If only it was so easy to just say no when you start a new job😬

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As a former AC that struggled in PEG, but did pretty well in everything else, stick it out. PEG is an abnormal experience that you’ll get out of the way in 3-6 months and can transition to something more sustainable.

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OP is pretty clearly not at Strategy& in the Deals Practice, though

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70 is considered low end for CDD. Could you try to find other types of projects? Perhaps give it a bit more time and projects before making the call

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At Bain 70 is NOT low. Ive been in PEG as an SM for 2 years and have the data. Ive rarely worked 70. Usually 60.

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No shame in leaving, but I strongly suggest trying other types of work before you leave. DDs should be short, so talk to your staffing person and say you're looking to try other work after your current case ends

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Echoing some of the points here, maybe try getting out of the ringfence and trying some GP cases. Hours generally a bit better with a bit more breathing space to learn.

Also, you unfortunately joined right in the middle of the pandemic which is not representative of regular Bain life - hours are worse, fewer perks (travel, dinner expense, etc), lack of actual team interaction (which to me is the biggest sell for Bain - I love our people). Hang in there if you can until things start to normalize.

Please also have PD chats with your supervisor/mentor on how you're doing so far. First few months are painful for everyone, so don't feel like you're alone.

Finally, if you need help I believe mental health is covered by insurance. (Might need to check your office policy)

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Happy to switch jobs with you. The only thing I have at Deloitte is WLB.

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While I don't know your entire backstory to be 100% confident in my advice, I recommend to stick it out. Try to workout regularly - that'll help with the anxiety and depression. Set aside 1-1.5 hours a day. Put it on your calendar so no one disturbs you during that time. Take multivitamins. Basically, transform yourself into the best version of you over the next 2 years.

After that you'll be miles ahead in your career and can jump ship to a better WLB. It's worth it, trust me. I know it's hard, I was there. Remind yourself of the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Coming from a fellow bainie, btw ^^

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The first six months are pretty rough, even in the best of times. It is NOT you and it’s too early to say that consulting is not the right fit. The learning curve is so steep as a new AC1...I remember how it felt.

I’d escalate your thoughts to staffing and your PD advisor - starting off at Bain in PEG is rough to begin with, and in WFH, really truly challenging. 70 hour weeks are sadly not okay and you are owed some balance and peace. It may not happen immediately but staffing should be willing to find a new path for you soon enough, especially if you subtly mention that you’re feeling underconfident and exhausted and wondering if you should be looking elsewhere, but want to give things some more time before making that decision.

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I’d say complete a year and then jump

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It’s hard in Covid, but work hard / play hard is the way to get ahead in your 20s. It’s not for everyone (and that’s okay), but putting in the ass-busting hard work now will likely pay off down the line.

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OP. Don’t listen to all the people here saying you should push through just because of your age. If you are feeling depressed due to the situation take care of your health first and foremost. Without that there is no life, no career. I don’t think you should give up on consulting just yet. While the hours are long on peg it does get better as you become more seasoned and faster at doing things. Its the pain of getting up the initial experience curve. Just don’t give up sanity and well-being

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I feel you because I never wanted to work +70 hours for corporations that could care less about me. I realized that I’m okay prioritizing WLB over making more money. I get to take care of myself and I’m genuinely happy. I don’t think consulting is the problem, it’s Bain.

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Could it be that it takes you longer to do tasks because you’re new?

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