For years, the consulting career path was clear: work hard, make it to partner, and reap the rewards. But more and more high performers—especially those groomed for leadership—are questioning whether that future is worth it.
I see the topic pop up constantly on Reddit’s management consulting subreddit, and in the ex-consultants I work with: ambitious professionals who were once fully committed to the partner track, are now wondering if they actually want what’s next.
If you’re in this position, you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not wrong to question it.
Why More Consultants Are Questioning the Partner Path
At first, the consulting career track makes perfect sense. High performers thrive in structured environments with clear progression—and consulting delivers exactly that. But over time, many start noticing cracks in the foundation.
Here’s why so many consultants are reconsidering their future:
1. The Consulting Career Preys on Insecure Overachievers
Many consultants fit the insecure overachiever profile—highly capable, deeply driven, but subconsciously tying their self-worth to external validation.
Consulting firms know this. They offer:
✔ A clear success path—climb the ranks, get rewarded.
✔ Elite status—making you feel special, valuable, chosen.
✔ Workaholism as a virtue—convincing you that burnout is a badge of honor.
For a while, this feels like achievement. But over time, the need for external approval replaces internal clarity, making it hard to separate who you are from what the firm expects of you.
2. The Partner Track Isn’t What It Used to Be
Many consultants believe that once they reach partner, they’ll finally have control over their careers. But reality often looks different:
🔹 Even longer hours—The pressure doesn’t ease up, it shifts to relentless sales and client management.
🔹 Firms are struggling—Layoffs, margin pressures, and AI-driven industry changes are making the path riskier.
🔹 More people are opting out—Senior talent is leaving, questioning if the payout is worth the cost.
When even the partners are burned out, it’s worth asking: Is this really what I want?
What High Performers Are Doing Instead
So if staying in consulting isn’t the only path, what are successful ex-consultants doing instead?
1. Moving Into Boutique Firms or an Independent Consulting Career
Some opt for smaller, high-impact firms where they can still use their expertise without the burnout. Others go independent, leveraging their experience to build a career on their own terms.
2. Transitioning to Strategic Leadership Roles
Many move into corporate strategy, tech leadership, or policy roles—leveraging their consulting skills in less intense, more sustainable environments.
3. Building Something of Their Own
Entrepreneurship is another popular path. Consultants bring a rare mix of problem-solving, adaptability, and high-level execution—all of which translate well into starting a business or joining an early-stage company.
4. Exploring Coaching, Teaching, or Advisory Work
Some step into coaching, academia, or advisory roles, helping others navigate their careers with the insights they’ve gained.
The key theme? More control, more alignment, less burnout.
Should I Stay in My Consulting Career? How to Decide
If you’re questioning your next step, start by separating your real goals from the ones your firm has given you.
Ask yourself:
🔹 Would I stay if the prestige disappeared?
🔹 Do I feel energized by the work, or just the status?
🔹 Am I still climbing because I want to—or because I don’t know how to stop?
Consulting is a tool, not an identity. You’ve already proven you can succeed in high-performance environments. Now the question is: What do you actually want?
If you’re navigating this transition, I work with high performers figuring out their next step beyond consulting. You can book a consultation here to explore what that might look like for you.
