Client facing vs industry career with kids

[Purplelemon7]

Hi

I’m struggling to decide whether to continue in a client facing role (consulting) now that I have a young family or whether I should go in house. Would love to hear from those who continued to do client facing work or made the switch. I think hybrid working will help but I’m so confused about what to do!

I was a Big 4 auditor and went in house when DS2 was born. I simply couldn’t keep up with my male colleagues who had SAHM wives (we discussed DH being a SAHD but I wanted to see the DC too) and it was frustrating. Work tried really hard but once I’d realised I no longer wanted to make partner I headed for industry. I was really lucky to find a technical role that is well paid and rarely asks more than 9-5:30. Several years on and it was by far the best decision. I’m still learning stuff but the pressure is a million times less and if I can’t do everything then I just do it tomorrow!

Thanks. I’m not looking for progression either to be honest but I wouldn’t mind staying at the level I’m currently at. My work/life balance has been pretty good but I feel that it’s down to luck and I don’t know whether I will always be so lucky.

@DelurkingAJ did it involve a paycut?

I moved away from consulting when I had DC due to the travel requirements. No regrets. I'm better suited in-house anyway.

No, but I went across as a technical expert in a financial services setting, which helped. I was a senior manager at that stage and had expected that I might have to take a pay cut. As I say, I think I was lucky…

Yeah I’m a senior manager as well. Seen a few roles advertised that offer a similar salary level but not that many.

I made partner in a big 4 but only lasted a couple of years before giving up completely. The sacrifice was too great.

I don’t know how people manage it at partnership level (there are obviously some who do however).

Anyone here mid level management with kids?