I’ve been a partner at a Big 4 firm for over 7 years, with a total of 20+ years there. My metrics are strong, but I’m feeling really disillusioned following needless internal reorgs, worsening culture and a lack of leadership/investment. I’ve been approached for different leadership roles by another Big 4 firm, a mid tier firm, and also an AI startup. Has anyone else navigated this type of decision and if so can you share pros/cons/expectations?

My feelings are similar to yours although im a few years behind you and did switch firms along the way. I get competing firms reaching out to me all the time (big 4, mid tier, pe owned, non audit advisory firms, etc.). The only way I’d leave is to get out of the profession completely because it’s all the same. At least you have the known factor which unless it reaches a point where you dread the people/clients/admin to the point where it is impacting your mental health negatively, there is no way I’d move to a similar firm where I have to build from the ground up all over again. No thanks. The profession just sucks this is why nobody wants to do this crap. Just make it to your retirement age and then do whatever you want with the f u money in your bank account.

Personally I avoid mid-tier offers, listen to other Big4 (I’m at big4 now in tax), and am intrigued by industry but don’t see a long term path. I have a handful of clients that I would consider if they offer me a job but that’s because I know the team and culture very well.

It sounds like you’re burned out and need a vacation or sabbatical to reset. P1 above said it best, the grass is usually not greener on the other side. Starting over is a lot of work and I’ve seen that firsthand with direct admits and new hires at my clients.

For some direct admits, the move was the right one for a number of different reasons. They thrived and built a new network quickly with a day 1 support team to make that happen. I find that about half of all direct admits fail and leave before probationary period ends because they expected something different and couldn’t start over at that stage in their career.

OP
Definitely tough to evaluate, and I imagine stressful too. As the other partners have mentioned, there are many considerations, some measurable and some personal, subjective and intangible. Although it is often best to stay where you are as noted by others, there can sometimes be good reasons to make a move. Every partner situation is different and tough to navigate.

I spent nearly 35 years in the profession and retired a few years ago. Made partner at Big 4 in first half of career, then went to a smaller firm and grew into a National. Held leadership roles for second half of career and recruited nearly 25 lateral partners to my firm. Did some consulting with lateral partners after retirement, now mostly sleeping late, traveling and finally enjoying free time!

Happy to talk live on a confidential basis and share wisdom perspective and relatively objective feedback and thoughts. Might be helpful since I'm guessing your closest industry confidants are your current partners (and maybe biased).

DM if you're interested in speaking.

Truth is that wherever you go you will most likely ultimately have to deal with the same thing at some point in your career. Every few years there’s a reorg and new alphabet soup for the offerings. New leadership with new agendas and priorities, changes forced by market conditions, etc.

You have to weigh the pros and cons of giving up a network you’ve established over 20+ years vs venturing out and starting new. Keep in mind that what they tell you now to get you in the door will likely be very different from reality.

Guessing you’re at EY.

I have made some lateral partner moves. Been doing this quite a while and close to retirement. I share your feelings and I think part of it is burn out and part of it is the industry in general. This business is not what it used to be and not for the better. It’s tiring listening to leadership spew the same nonsense that sounds good in theory but isn’t realistic or sustainable. I won’t repeat what everyone else said, but one of the biggest challenges I’ve found is fitting in. In many cases people have long tenures at a firm and you will always be the outsider…ie, not part of the club. They don’t really want to tap into your experience and ideas and in most cases aren’t open to it. It’s deflating. This is just my experience. Depending on how close to retirement you are, I’d just ride it out and do what you need to. The grass isn’t greener, there will always be weeds….some more invasive than others.