How do you really feel about consulting at this stage in your career?
I mean, when I look at the years I’ve put into it, I can’t help but wonder if I'm still passionate about this, or if it's just a routine now. If you're still loving it, what’s your secret? If not, what’s keeping you from making a change?

Turning 47 this year. I feel I've aged out of consulting.

It's a young person's game at this point. Unless you're a Partner at this age or manage to not work more than 40 hours a week, this hamster wheel is one without a carrot. Because I've been in this business for so long, this hamster wheel is all I know at the moment.

All sales. Relationships aren’t what they used to be. It’s a short term game not a long term investment.

Top talent goes to tech not consulting. Clients think they can do it in-house. I’m finished and just want dinner and a drink.

Turning 50 this year and HATE it. It's cool when you are young but after a while the novelty wears off and everything is just a BS TPS Report to check off the list and review notes that Karen or Chad think you need a different font or one space after a period instead of two. F this s&<t.

I’ve put in the years, and I can’t ignore the perks - good money, strong network, and a certain level of expertise that makes the work feel easier. But am I still passionate? Some days, yes. Other days, I feel like I’m just going through the motions. The hardest part is figuring out what’s next. The longer you stay in consulting, the harder it is to leave, I think. Whether it’s because of lifestyle, identity, or just fear of the unknown.

Done and done at 44. Went back to products.

It’s a horrible place to be for more than 10 years. It’s a good profession for people who are naturally good at lying and who are ok to be dishonest and backstab every one around them to move forward.

Made the final push and was admitted to partner at 37 after a few set backs in late 20s early 30s. If that didn’t happen, would’ve for sure exited.

Not worth the day to day client/firm nonsense of this job unless the compensation and wealth trajectory is right.

Mid 40s here and haven’t been passionate about consulting for a single day. However I can’t imagine any other career that I would be passionate about, so I stay because I excel.
My life is not my work. It’s fine.

I am a bit of an anomaly because I started my career in consulting, left after 12 years to go into industry and got back into consulting at 52. It definitely felt odd being 20 years older than most of my SM peers and having more experience than a lot of the partners. After banging my head against the glass ceiling (and ageism) at EY I left to become a partner at a smaller firm where I am much more valued for my experience. Now, as I near 60, I am focused on spending my last few years before retirement doing the type of consulting that I enjoy (and of course, saving for retirement!). As many others have said, I enjoy the constant intellectual challenges that our clients’ situations present and truly feeling like I can help make a difference. I have also tried not to be a big jerk and backstab people which probably held me back a little bit in B4.

I’m 43, 21 years in consulting. Still love the job itself, not the games (people/client) -gets a little tiring. I do it because it satisfies my intellect. Not sure if it’s my secret: I chase my internal bar, not other people’s achievements. Yes, 43 is old to still be a senior manager - that’s where the games come in.

I hit 50 this year and still love it. I am an anomaly though on my team with most people 15-20 years younger than me. But I pass as young still so it works.

EY1 you are a true role model . We need more people like you .

Early 40’s and been here almost 10 years. At this point it’s the pay keeping me here. Even with the no raises or promos, it’s still better than what I see in the market. Plus, the WLB actually isn’t bad anymore now that I have some seniority and a team to work with.

I think my plan is shifted from finding my dream job and never working a day in my life to achieving financial independence in my 50s and semi-retiring doing something I actually enjoy.

Consulting isn’t a career, it’s a hustle.

Just turned 55. I still love it.

Love the work and peers. Frankly, I think I would be bored in an industry role, which is where I started. Issue is these so-called leaders who do nothing but condescend & gaslight because they choose not to be involved until last minute

The only way is to realize you will not find passion in this career and figure out a way to maximize your compensation to fuel other interests in your life. I've been in the game for 21 years and have become so jaded (but able to feign interest easily) that it's muscle memory at this point

Over 60; Been at consulting for 20++ love each and every bit of it

I work in a big 4 who is still quite conservative in the way it delivers services. I am quite done with it although I have been a consultant for 21 years. I stay because I have a mortgage and kids to feed, otherwise I would have left a long time ago. It ain’t worth the investment you make

F