How do I get off a project without potentially getting laid off? Joined the firm 3 months ago, but my project is terrible. I can’t sleep, work 60 hours, developing anxiety and low-key depression just thinking about my next day of work. How do I tell the manager/partner I want out? The client is very important to the firm. But Im done, there’s no other option. Please help, im really going crazy and can’t be there for another month.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

OP -

Sorry you’re in this situation.

I would suggest talking to your counsellor -

- Be professional but transparent around your reasons. No beating around the bush (“I want exposure to something else…” etc.). Issue is your mental health / well-being and the cause is the toxic project environment. This needs to be clearly stated and understood by your counsellor.

- Do not go unprepared - meaning, don’t just focus on the issue but also propose a couple of options/ ideas on what can be done to fix it and how your counsellor can intervene to ensure a smooth transition. Come up with a game plan. I liked one of the previous ideas of using the staffer - but test those ideas with your counsellor. Talking to the People Partner is an option but should ideally be recommended by the counsellor so test that with him/ her too.

- Don’t overthink ‘what-ifs” pls. Completely unproductive when it comes to resolving the matter and is a form of self imposed toxicity. Keep your mind clear - there’s a problem and you’re gonna fix it with the help of people around you.

Hang in there!

You got this OP 👊

likehelpfuluplifting

That's a great plan, C2! I'd have this conversation with the project lead (probably an SM) first rather than getting your counselor involved immediately.
Lay out your reasons, including your well-being concerns and/or your career goals (be specific as much as you can, and include everything that your project doesn't offer).
They might offer you a solution for the well-being part, but if the project is not something you are interested in, then there is not much they can do.
I understand you're frustrated and don't want to stay there anymore, but make sure you offer your support for a smooth transition within the next 4-8 weeks. This timing is based on the fact that your company may not have enough resources on the bench to replace you immediately and once someone hired or come available, you offer some overlap time for knowledge transfer as well as hand holding for a while.
If the lead is someone unreasonable after having a transparent conversation about facts, then get your counselor involved.
Retaliation is real, so do your best not to burn bridges!
Good luck!

I’m sorry you’re feeling that way. Have been in the same boat and understand that feeling.

I reached out to my staffer and told them that I needed to be rolled off of the project and wanted to try something else due to mental health. They were super understanding and rolled me off the same week and advised me on how to speak with the project team.

This was my method but hope you can find one that works for you. Sending you strength and encouragement!

likesmart

Are you expected to work on different projects? You can say that you need exposure to different projects and that it’s time to move on. That said, if you don’t work through some issues here, there is a risk that you will carry the same situation to a new projects

like

Very mature reply! Loved it!

like

Do you have a coach/ mentor at the firm? Often these individuals may be able to act as an intermediary

like

i don't think the coach is gonna tell you that everybody works a lot! Try that support and see what they suggest you

Talk to your people lead

like

You need a new PL …. But if this is a key client…. they will pick the client over you. I would start looking outside the firm/new projects to role on to and mention that the new project will help with growth. These firm pick money over people, so please do what’s best foe yourself there will always be another job!

like

Although easier said than done, try not taking things seriously!

This is a terrible response lol

like

Depends on how much longer the project is. If there is no other project or people it’s a slim chance.

Nothing wrong with asking for support from other team members and delegate some of your tasks. The project is big and important so tasks can surely be delegated across the team more evenly.

What is it about this project? Do you think the next project will be different? Or is it the stress of the learning curve and new job?

Best way is to start with asking for more resources on the team. Say the level of effort is more than we expected. If that is turned down, raise risk of not meeting time line in one-on-one with your manager and potentially his boss and that the team has been working long hours. Also add “we are leaving money on table by not charging more fees.”

I've been on a project like this. It was a stressful client but they were paying nicely. Management didn't want anyone to leave. The stress was causing people to either lose weight, gain weight, or cry or drink excessively. I tried to get my manager and other partners to replace me on the project with the premise that they were more experienced. Client wasn't having it. They want me. I ended up lining up another project and then slowly convinced the employees I worked with on the client team that they didn't need me anymore. The following Thursday the partner calls me outside to chat and tells me that he's thankful for the work I did and that when I leave today, I don't have to return next week. :-D

60 hrs is nothing

Tbh C2’s answer is all you need here and now.

That being said you should reconsider your choice of career/choice of firm. You simple need to be able to cope with 60h work week on any given project, especially if it’s a T1 client. If this affects your mental health I’d recommend consider corporate or start/scale up with a progressive WLB.

Consulting is NOT the holy grail and definitely not worth compromising your mental health.

Related Posts

Salary recommendations for a Senior PM role at one of the top global creative agencies? I have 10+ years of experience in-house and agency-side. I’m going to assume long hours (at least some of the time) and probably a difficult client.

like

Hello everyone.. i have been rolled out of a project recently. I need to submit my client laptop via courier. Please help me with the policy of reimbursement related to this. Thanks

I have one pro bono case that I kept when I left my firm to go in house. It’s a matter completely unrelated to my company and I have malpractice insurance through the nonprofit organization associated with the case. I’ve made clear to my client that I’m repping this client in my personal capacity. No one has asked me specifically about pro bono stuff at my company - if I know there’s no conflict of interest, is this something I should disclose? To whom should I disclose this?

like

The week of my wedding, my husband (PL SQL Developer 4 yoe) was laid off. That was a couple of weeks ago. Luckily I'm still bringing money in as a software engineer, but I'm looking for advice on how to support a partner who has been laid off. Ultimately I think we will be ok, but I know he's hurting / stressed / and could use a supportive partner.

likehelpful

PROPOSAL: Can we start naming names with respects to layoffs, furloughs, and pay cuts? Knowledge is power, and the only ones who benefit from vague exchanges of info. are the employers. Thank you!

likehelpful

Any one have insight into behavioral questions for a project management role that I applied for? Any insight would be great. It would be my final interview.

If you were an Uber employee that got laid off, how have you been faring?

like

I heard from my head that there is a lot of slowdown in VW Germany... There is Hiring freeze, level freeze and all ... And soon that will spillover to india. So be prepared for very less hikes in coming cycle :( Also automotive sector in general is struggling with tesla laying off 10% workforce recently. Maybe time to make a move? What do you say fishes?

like

I seem to go through this cycle where I'll try to fix a problem, fix it and then go back to my old ways. I'm trying to fight against it but basically my performance review is coming up and I think it's likely I'm going to be let go because of my failure to meet expectations. Earlier in the year I was going through a rough time and working through it, I have gotten better over the course of the year but I feel it's not enough. I got fired from my last job. I'm so sick of this cycle

like

Hello!
U-R-G-E-N-T
URGENT need for (14) Business Analyst local to or would be willing to relocate to AZ.
Client: State of AZ
Deadline: 12/7/2022
Start Date: 1/9/2023

like

I’m in the ECVC space and this month has been so slow. I think I billed an hour yesterday. Am I getting fired? Not at Goodwin for what it’s worth

like

What does everyone wear for client meetings in a WFH setting

like

Hi All,
Will it profitable to stay in LTi as I have completed 17 months here and currently at P2 grade (Senior Software Engineer) ?
I'm working in CITi project since 17 months, premapped ro project so, not a single I was in bench til now. In this January they retained me with 70% hike :).
YOE - 5.6 years
Skills Set :- Java, Springboot, Microservices, SQL.

What all benefits I can get from LTi in next 6 months or so ?
Like Promotion to P3 and OnSite ?

I didn't start looking for opport.

Thanks,

like

Looking for a project manager for the next 6 weeks

like

Hi Fishesh

Which one will be good to join for SAP technical consultant having 5.6yr experience?

Deloitte USI: 20 lpa fixed, 10% variable, 3lakh JB
Bristalcone, client: SAP Labs: 22 LPA fixed, 10% variable and 1 lakh JB.

I had worked with SAP Labs, work culture and Work life balance is good but I am not sure about Deloitte usi. Someone please help me

like

Got an offer in DELOITTE - Maryland MD the offer says
Project Delivery Specialist is that equivalent to Senior 3 in DELOITTE
Thanks !

Hi fishes, I joined as Senior Consultant at deloitte on 6th June.
Is it better to go Deloitte internal project or wait for client project?
Skills: Full stack developer java

like

Have junior/mid-level (Manager and below) consultants at your firm escalated long working hours as a major issue in the last ~6months? Does your firm believe it is a legitimate issue? How is your firm winning and delivering solid client work while dealing with this issue?

like

Chances the BA.2 Variant will push back return to office date plans?? Currently set to return to client site for the first time next week.

like
like

More Posts

My wife and I just don’t get along. I try not to carry that baggage to work, but it’s tough. Some days I lie and say I’m working late to drink beer at work and flirt with this HOT account director.

like

Are text message breakups acceptable? Better than complete ghosting right

like

What is the difference in responsibility between art sup and group art sup as well as salary ranges in NYC?

like

What’s the salary range for Manager role with 14 YOE .NET in PwC AC Bangalore?

like

Hey all! Looking for job opportunities! Prefer fully remote or Hybrid (around ATL)
- 2 years in Program Management (Sr PM)
- 4.5 years in Distribution Ops Manager Roles
- 5 years in Pipeline Operations/Analyst Role

Looking for a career in program management or recruitment… or anything in between.

DM me for more details and resume. Thanks for stopping by!

like

I have been trying this cold therapy not for fat loss but for my mental well-being. I usually do 30 secs on and off for 3-4 times in shower and not sure if it is placebo effect but I instantly feel really good. Andrew Huberman has several podcasts on this topic if anybody is interested.

Post Photo
likehelpful

Guys, what platform do you use to trade US stock?

like

Struggling with chronic headaches and jaw tension. Any recommendations for specialists in Toronto?
Also curious if anyone has tried botox for those as I’ve heard of it but cautious..

like
like

How did you get started in your career as an FA? I work in the home office and have been an assistant to an FA before. I have a network, I have ambition, I have credibility and connections at my firm..

What’s your worst experience with a senior? (As an associate)

Maybe a dumb question but if someone vests in a pension are they still able to rollover a lump sum into an IRA? Or is it too late? Have a client who keeps blowing me off to get documentation...CONT

like
like

Trying to get ahead of my caseload feels like trying to climb a hill made of loosely-packed pebbles. No matter how much I scrabble, I’m sliding closer and closer to the bottom.

How do you get caught up (or even ahead) when you’re always behind? Assume that all things that can be offloaded have been offloaded. I cannot take one more all nighter trying to get a motion drafted two days before the deadline because I couldn’t get to it earlier.

like

Hi all

I am looking to start my own recruitment firm
Any experts here to help me with guidelines or can share the documentations/ paperwork required

like

Can anyone help me with the tax deduction for the salary of 60 k in Netherlands?

like

Hi fishes. I am currently working at a market research firm and have around 6 years of experience.
I want to upgrade my career path. Please let me know what to choose next. What courses do I need to take so I can switch to top consulting firms like PWC, Kantar, B&C.

like

What do you include in your competitive audits? (Not creative)

Hi,

I am an Open Freelancer Power BI Developer and a result driven Data professional with 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in Data Analysis, Data Modelling, Data Visualization, Business Intelligence using BI technologies/tools like Microsoft Power BI, SQL, DAX etc.

I would like to work on Power BI Projects with your team and would be happy to draw actionable insights and driving value through data.

Please get in touch with me on below contact details.

Mobile:+91-8356921173

like

Additional Posts in Consulting

Which tv show best exemplifies your work or office experience?

like

What’s the best way to have unlimited data coverage when traveling abroad to Europe? T-Mobile doesn’t seem to have the best rates for that ($15/MB)

like

Best books on leadership and sales skills?

like

I feel stuck as a Strategy Manager and want to make a career pivot at 35. But have no idea what i should do? Any suggestions, resources or books that I should read to help with my existential mid thirties crisis? I have experience in technology consulting, corporate strategy, freelance consulting and law. Do I go back to being an Attorney, or do I retrain and become a financial advisor or something else?

like

Hello! Has anybody worked for/heard of Xcenda? I am interested in learning more about the company in terms of vertical growth potential within the company/company culture/WLB/benefits and compensation.

like

On my resume, I have listed senior engineer as my title for my time at a company because it was the most recent title when I left, though I had been promoted two months before I left. For a background check, should I put the most recent title or all titles I had at the company (i.e, Sr Data Engineer and Data Engineer, or just the most recent)?

like

I’m so bored during this pandemic, I’m starting to consider having kids at some point.

funnylikeuplifting

I have managed and implemented Oracle projects for the last 10 years. I am a PMP, CSCP and PSM certified. I am looking for a change with a salary of 150,000.

Any recommendations?

like

Does Deloitte official can get paternity leave in his 1st year ? If yes, for how many weeks he is eligible ?

like

Has anyone used gliders that stick on tyres of office chair, for better movement over the carpet?

like

Top consulting firms for building mobile apps - IOS or Android?

like

How can I get one of my coworkers to stop apologizing before they make any comment or possible feedback that may come off as a critique? I’m an analyst, so they aren’t trying to suck up or anything :(

like

Any good book recommendations for new Managers in consulting ?

like

Can we all recognize most of us are privileged? If you want to make a difference, even small, I'll give you easiest one you can. Donate $100 to your cities bond fund. We all can afford it. Many cant

likefunnyhelpful

Why does my bed feel extra warm right now?

likefunny
like

Are any top consulting firms hiring for experienced analysts currently? I know ACN and some others are cyclical for resources 2-3 years out of college, but I’m looking to make a move sooner than fall

like

Told a friend of mine in tech I was considering moving to BCG. He asked me if I would have to move to Boston.

I followed up by asking what he thought the top consulting firms were. "I'd guess PwC and then McKinsey are the best. I've also heard of KPMG, Deloitte, and Bain, but I don't know much about them."

Just a reminder that outside our bubble no-one really cares about firm prestige etc.

likefunnyupliftingsmarthelpful

Experienced new hires in GPS consulting, I just started at Deloitte earlier this year with almost 3 years of prior experience and advanced degree, got hired on with 90k - is this a good salary? What did you get hired on with?

Deloitte

like

Fish that flew from Canada to US recently— does the shoppers drug mart Covid antigen test work for fit to fly certification?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal