Does anyone work for Big 4 Consulting - Technology?

[PSUSMU]

Curious to hear from those who work for large consulting firms in technology (not audit).
I received a job offer from Deloitte today. I'd be moving from my cushy government contractor job to more demanding technology consulting. This may be throwing away my currently amazing work/life balance; however, it would provide more career opportunity/growth.
The offer is +11% from current (I plan on walking if they don't meet my counter offer). I have 4 years experience and a M.S. in Systems Engineering.

Thoughts?

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Curious to hear from those who work for large consulting firms in technology (not audit).
I received a job offer from Deloitte today. I'd be moving from my cushy government contractor job to more demanding technology consulting. This may be throwing away my currently amazing work/life balance; however, it would provide more career opportunity/growth.
The offer is +11% from current (I plan on walking if they don't meet my counter offer). I have 4 years experience and a M.S. in Systems Engineering.

Thoughts?

I have never worked for one and never intend to. My background is similar to yours, maters in Sys Eng and in IT with about 4-5 years of experience. For our age and level of experience, big consulting firms will work you to death and specially for 10% more it is not worth the jump. Look in private sector. I have made 35-40% jumps across my past 2 jumps.

Good luck! PM me if you need any specific help. I have leads around NJ/NY area if interested to move

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Curious to hear from those who work for large consulting firms in technology (not audit).
I received a job offer from Deloitte today. I'd be moving from my cushy government contractor job to more demanding technology consulting. This may be throwing away my currently amazing work/life balance; however, it would provide more career opportunity/growth.
The offer is +11% from current (I plan on walking if they don't meet my counter offer). I have 4 years experience and a M.S. in Systems Engineering.

Thoughts?

Weigh the importance of your work life balance and decide accordingly. You likely won't have much of balance with a big 4 firm. Not for a while anyway.

Good luck!

[M3Denver]

No balance and lots of work and travel, very demanding, lots of red tape and hoops to jump through, most management won't give a shit about you. And your just one cog in a huge grinder where big rewards are rare and your more likely to get used and burnt out.

What level would u be entering at ?

[BayMoWe335]

I worked at Deloitte and my mom at E&y. Deloitte was great, but you'll feel stupid there...so many smarties. E&y is demanding as anything. 2 great companies.

[BayMoWe335]

Take the job btw.

[PSUSMU]

I should clarify a bit. I would be entering the Federal practice here as Senior Consultant in DC (cleared gov't work). I don't believe it is as demanding as the private side. I spoke to the lead I'd be working for and she said their project is pretty flexible compared to most (no travel); but of course, she can't speak for other.s

[f30nynj]

Wow! Glad to see some IT/Technology folks.

I have MS in Telecom Networks & work for a small trading firm and make a very good living. The work-personal life balance is great. Pay raises by approx 10% every yr and

I have friends in PWC & Deloitte who got a lot fat flying, eating out and disturbed biological cycles. They prefer sleeping in weekends. Also some of their friend circle stayed same because they keep switching locations.

It may not be the same case for you.

[turo]

I'm currently in that world, in DC as well (my background is a PhD in comp sci with 3yrs experience, and I'm primarily on the R&D side of things). Honestly, it will completely depend on your leadership and clients. For me, my work/life balance is great, and I work from home 90%of the time (because I choose to). There can be so e travel (I usually have at least a 2-3 day trip per month), but not bad at all for me.

One thing to keep in mind, if you're moving to DC (and not already here), make sure you factor the cost of living into your calculations, because this metro area is pretty expensive (housing, primarily).

Good luck!

[Joekerr]

Just think it through carefully before you go. 11% honestly is not a lot for the change you are about to experience in terms of work / life balance.

I work for a big 4 (but in audit, not consulting) and honestly, there is very little in the way of "balance". On the other hand, there's a lot of future opportunities and if making money is really important, then there's a great chance to make a very very good living. But on the other hand, you'll be living a potentially much rougher life and not enjoying the same balance to refresh and re-energize or even enjoy the money you are now making.

One thing I have to say, I look at the partners who are older and pretty consistently, they look tired, their eyes always look red and they just look like they aren't too healthy - makes me think their lifespan will not be too long after their retirement. That scares me a little - what's the point of having that kind of money?

Anyways, do it for you if it makes sense after you weigh all the options. For example, you seem to do fender rolling. I can almost guarantee you won't if you choose to join a big 4 because you won't have any time to do so, the time you do have will be spent sleeping or going out with your wife / significant other / friends - you won't even want to think about doing some additional work on the side.

Good luck in whatever you do!

[PSUSMU]

Thanks for your inputs. I'm choosing to pass on this opportunity. Throwing away my work/life balance isn't worth the extra 11% at this time.

[mercedes123]

My mom used to do consulting at Arthur Andersen a long time ago and there was no work life balance. She left after less than a year since it was difficult to take care of children. There was also a woman who lived down the street from us who worked at E&Y and found it quite demanding as well.

[M3Denver]

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Thanks for your inputs. I'm choosing to pass on this opportunity. Throwing away my work/life balance isn't worth the extra 11% at this time.

Good choice!
Man ur in a government role. If you play your cards right you can make bank! And keep the balance and all us other schmucks will just get taxed more to fund your work life balance.

[JoosyJoos]

I work for a large French consultancy (take a guess). I can say beyond a doubt that your work life balance will suffer. Deloitte is known for working the shit out of people and burning them out.

Most consultancies are perfect for younger resources (think 20's), who are flexible, don't have families yet, and want competitive pay.

I'm not telling you to not do it... but just being honest. If I were you, depending on your situation, I would give it a try. If you find its not a great fit after a year then change it up. You'll certainty learn a ton in the fast paced environment at least.

All that said, I like my job and feel that it pays me more than I'm worth

[catcher22]

I used to work for Deloitte.

If you were in the Private sector, the work will be less demanding switching to the Government, no matter what anybody says or feels.

But, Deloitte is like a private company that works their employees to death. It's a rat race who can do the most in the week. If you're expecting a nice 40-50 hour week, forget it.

It may have changed since I was there, but they made each and every employee 1) work on a minimum of 2 proposals/year, 2) maintain an extremely high utilization rate, 3) attend networking and business events, 4) do volunteer

They provide you a good amount of leave, but if you take all of it within the year, you either must make up those hours to meet your utilization rate, or simply not meet your goals. It's a catch 22. I'm sure they promoted a nice 21 day leave package with your benefits. If you take more than 13 of those days and don't make up the rest, don't expect much of a raise and definitely not a promotion.

All of the above are pretty much required if you want to succeed at Deloitte.

The levels are Analyst, Consultant, Senior Consultant, Manager, Senior Manager, and Partner. Senior Consultant is the most common and aggressive position because everybody wants to be a Manager.

They say they promote a "work-life" balance. But it's really a "work-work" balance. Some are cut out for it (I have good friend who just applied to be a partner). I hated it.

If I were you, I'd get a job that pays just as well with a real work-life balance. Then you could really focus on succeeding at work, spending time with your family, and working on personal development like certifications, education, etc. Don't let somebody else (or company) dictate your time or career.

[PSUSMU]

Precisely what my impressions were. I'm happy with my decision to pass on it.
I have an internal/lateral move in the works that I think will be satisfying.