Consulting WLB at MBB post-IIM A is brutal—80-100 hour weeks for 5 days, weekends free on most projects. A typical day is 9 AM to 11 PM, 5 days weekly. IIM A at Rs 27.
5L fees for Rs 35.22 LPA puts graduates into client-facing consulting roles immediately. First 2-3 years at MBB involve heavy travel (Monday morning flight out, Thursday night return), long hours on slide prep and data analysis, and client pressure.
Weekends are typically protected unless a critical pitch or deadline falls. Moving to industry (client role) post-consulting at year 3-4 offers significantly better WLB—45-55 hour weeks. Staying in consulting to Senior Consultant and Principal levels (year 5-8) brings WLB improvements as travel burden shifts to juniors.
For aspirants who want WLB, alternatives include HUL/P&G brand management (45-50 hours), product management at stable tech firms (40-50 hours), and general management rotations. FMS Delhi at Rs 2.43L for Rs 34 LPA and IIM Lucknow at Rs 22L for Rs 32.
3 LPA also provide these alternatives. Finance WLB is similar or worse than consulting—IB analysts work 90-110 hours. PE and VC at mid-senior levels offer better WLB.
The sustainability question: most people last 2-3 years at MBB before moving to industry or exit options. Consulting pays for the grind with strong salary growth and exit optionality. Do not enter consulting without understanding the WLB cost—many drop out early.
Check your eligibility at collvera.