I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but between the hours, travel, and stress, I’m starting to wonder if I’m underpaid. I’m at a mid-sized firm, 3 years in, and still not breaking six figures. Meanwhile, friends in tech with half the chaos are earning more. Curious - what level are you at, and do you feel like the pay reflects the grind? Would you stay in consulting long-term if comp didn’t improve?

likesmart
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You are 100% being underpaid if you're not breaking six figures.

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3.5 years in, and the hours definitely feel heavier than the paycheck. If comp doesn’t move soon, I’m seriously considering jumping to industry.

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You are underpaid and you are not ungrateful. Time is a resource we will never get back and it behooves you to constantly evaluate whether your most important asset is spent wisely. This question won’t ever change as you as you get more experienced!

After graduating (2015) and starting at KPMG, my salary went from 60K - 90K in 5 years. I was bottom of the band because first 2 years out of college I slacked off and people noticed (hint: they always do). Interviewed with firms after and had multiple offers starting at 120K+, took one that was around 150K.

I’m 10 years in now, 200K TC but excellent WLB, around 15-20 hours a week, 100% remote. My buddies all earn more than me, with some of them that went into tech becoming millionaires. We all have different paths in life, had I gone into their careers, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to spend the last few years hanging out with my mom before she passed.

It’s a balancing act but never would I imagine wanting less money for my time lol. I’m happy that K stuck with me while I sucked but that didn’t make me beholden to them forever. Go get your bag.

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10 years with KPMG? If not, where?

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Even in MCOL that’s really low. A lot of firms pay $100k+ base right out of undergrad. What kind of consulting do you do?

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Jump and see if you can make more. No point complaining. There are big bucks in tech but good luck getting a gig

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I feel the same way! And thinking of pivoting. It would take me 5 years to get into 6 figs. I am burnt out and thinking of pivoting.

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Firstly, "everybody lies". Secondly, " everybody lies about their salary". Thirdly, "everybody lies about how hard they work".

Yes, your friend may tell you tales of money, stress, etc but if you feel you need more, we all think we deserve more, then prove it. What does your company value? Who gets promoted?why? Follow that plan and ignore the rest.

smartfunny

6 years of working experience, almost 4 years in consulting. I make more money than I ever thought i would at this age and I really like the work. The hours are hard, I travel 2 weeks a month, but it’s worth it. I’ll stay as long as I feel this way, I certainly can’t find another company that pays my current rate. SC level

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Try jumping firms. An analyst w/3 YOE lateraling to another firm should get you above 100k. Also tech isn’t as glamorous as it used to be - heck many professions aren’t including consulting - maybe take some time to think about what you really want to do and how you want to live, and go after that as a next step

In Consulting, as a Consultant delivering, one is meant to be Underpaid. There is a lot of overhead with sales, partners, MDs etc that the Frontline bears the cost of. Margins need to be maintained after all that. Why? Because it's a people business. You the consultants and your skills is the product being sold. Once you are in a position to sell, and do it right, hopefully you can make more.

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