The key to being promoted (beyond capability) is to be likeable. To be likeable, you need to be relatable. To be relatable, you need to have a wide range of hobbies and interests and appeal to familiarity - eg have kids, watch sports, play golf, etc.

How much better did your WLB get after leaving consulting? I’m moving to an internal strategy role at a client. Financial Services - Banking. In consulting - standard day was closing my laptop between 9pm - 10pm and eating dinner at my desk. I’m expecting industry to be better, but not that much. Maybe closing my laptop between 6pm - 7pm? I haven’t been able to ask anyone in the bank what it’s like, as this is a new team. I’m benchmarking on other client strategy offices.

Do you find that your team members in India take more sick days than US? On my team in the US, we work from home if we get a cold but are generally still able to work. Being too sick to work happens to each of our US team maybe 1-3 times a year. My team in India takes 1-2 sick days per month. Are they actually too sick to work and that level of illness is more common? Or is there a cultural difference that you don't work if not feeling well?

I was just terminated from the deals group. I’ve let myself go in terms of my health and weight. I figured I’d use a good chunk of the severance time to get in shape over the summer and focus on my health but my friends and family are pushing me to find a way to juggle both and call me crazy for taking my time. My plan is to build a morning routine of fitness and work that into my new schedule when I’m rehired. Any thoughts ?

Didn’t get promoted and thinking of leaving Deloitte for the next level at Guidehouse. It’s a title bump so I would get a raise, but I’m trying to weigh the opportunity cost of going to a “lower tier” firm known for more niche services. Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you choose? Would this limit my exit opps?