I’ve been told I’m “on track” for partner for two years. I brought in good business last year, led two high-impact strategy projects, and mentor three junior consultants. I just got a job offer from a well-funded startup: $275k base, solid equity, and actual ownership. Meanwhile, my current firm keeps saying “you’re close,” but never defines what that actually means. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being strung along. At what point do you stop trusting the encouragement and start pushing for clarity, or walking?
If they wanted to make you partner, they already would have. You're being used to prop up the pipeline while they hedge their bets. Take the startup gig and don't look back
Yup this one. You can always return there as an external hire partner. I’ve seen it multiple times.
The Partner title will be worth something for the rest of your life - like going to Oxford or similar.
But they could be stringing you along.
The bold and likely best move is to tell them you have an outstanding offer you’re considering, and you’re losing confidence that partner will happen any time soon.
I’ve seen firms makes partners in these scenarios. Besides the leverage, it confirms for them you’re a hot asset worth sharing the partnership with.
They’ll respect you more if you leave
How long have you been at the level below partner? If the opposite of being “on track” for partner is not being considered partner material then you need to be “on track” for the last 3-4 years realistically. We don’t make partners based on one good year - it’s about sustained performance, network building and development.
Leave and don't look back. If the startup life doesn't work out, it will be good experience to have if you return to consulting or jump to a bigger corporate.
Bird in hand....
The whole consulting pyramid system is predicated on us stringing you along until you join the top level. Until you actually join, everyone is “on track” because otherwise you would be on a PIP. Guess what you find when you join the upper level? Yet another smaller pyramid.
Join the new company and come back when you want to scratch your consulting itch again. If you are truly on track, then going to work at an actual company will only help your case to bring you back as a direct admit.
I’m going to double down on my advice to use the offer as leverage. Lots of non partners here giving advice to stick it to the man - but you gotta think bigger picture what’s good for you
I gotta really question a firm that would do that.
If that’s the case they should move on either way.
But you are a Manager…?
Did you have your panel interviews this year?
The writing is clear
I remember when I joined EY (coming out of industry as a vice president), the EY executive recruiter told me that I would make Managing Director within a year. I foolishly believed him. Left EY 4 years later for a direct admit partner role at a different firm.
If it were me I would leave. I had this exact situation except it was for 3 years and I decided to move on. It took me 2 firms and 4 more years to make partner but I made it. Looking back it was the right decision.
Definitely right decision. Made MD and it is the worst “promotion” I ever received. Comp is weak by all measures
Take the money. If it doesn’t work out you can try and come back as direct admit 💰💰💵
On track is different than “in line #x and x to y years out”. On track is vague.
Leave lol. 500k is easy to make these days
How do you find a startup up to work for ? Is this typically thru a connection, recruiter or blindly applying ? Can’t imagine the 3rd
Take the offer asap!
Coach
Many are “on track” until they’re not 5 years later
What are you paid now?