How I Lost My Job at McKinsey

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal experience of being fired by McKinsey after just six months. Initially hired for their expertise in the battery industry, they struggled with project assignments and finding new opportunities, spending significant time 'on the beach.' Despite receiving mixed performance reviews, a sudden meeting revealed that their contract wouldn't be extended due to lack of projects and networking. The firing was an emotional blow, but the speaker reflects on the experience as a catalyst for growth, realizing that it opened up new possibilities to pursue their true ambitions without any more excuses.

Takeaways

• 😀 I was fired by McKinsey after just 6 months as a consultant, and I want to share the story.
• 😀 I thought my experience in the battery industry would help me thrive at McKinsey, but the reality was different.
• 😀 I was assigned to several projects outside of the battery industry, including automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.
• 😀 McKinsey's model expects consultants to find their own projects, and I struggled to secure new work after my first assignment.
• 😀 The summer months contributed to fewer projects, and my search for new work was unsuccessful.
• 😀 My first performance review was positive but highlighted areas for improvement, which I expected at the early stage.
• 😀 My second performance review, just before my probation ended, resulted in me being fired due to insufficient project involvement and lack of sponsor support.
• 😀 I felt blindsided by the firing, as I wasn’t given enough constructive feedback or guidance to improve.
• 😀 I was emotionally impacted by the firing, but through therapy and personal growth, I began to view it as an opportunity.
• 😀 Despite the disappointment, I realized that getting fired was a positive turning point, freeing me to pursue my true passions and dreams.
• 😀 I'm now more determined than ever to follow my personal projects and no longer feel the need for corporate approval or external validation.

Q & A

Why did the narrator join McKinsey in the first place?

The narrator joined McKinsey due to their experience in the battery industry, a fast-growing sector with high demand for consulting services. They believed McKinsey needed their expertise and that they would primarily work within the battery industry.

What was the narrator's initial expectation of their role at McKinsey?

The narrator expected to work on projects within the battery industry, leveraging their engineering background. They thought they would be highly needed by the firm and could make a significant impact.

What is the term 'on the beach' in the consulting world?

'On the beach' refers to a period when a consultant does not have a client project. During this time, they may support the firm internally but are not directly engaged in billable work.

Why did the narrator have trouble securing new projects at McKinsey?

The narrator struggled to find new projects because most teams were looking for consultants with more experience. The internal support system, meant to help new hires find projects, did not succeed in securing opportunities for them.

How did the narrator feel after receiving their first performance review?

After the first performance review, the narrator felt reassured that their industry knowledge was solid. They were also told that there were areas for improvement in consulting skills, which they understood as normal for someone in the early stages of their career.

What happened during the second performance review, and how did it affect the narrator?

During the second performance review, the narrator was informed that their contract would not be extended, and they were being let go. This news came as a shock, even though the narrator had sensed it might happen, and the meeting was emotionally overwhelming.

What were the main reasons given for the narrator's termination from McKinsey?

The reasons for the narrator's termination included not having enough projects, spending too much time 'on the beach,' lacking sufficient skill development, and not having a strong sponsor within the company who advocated for their continued employment.

How did the narrator react to the feedback they received during the termination meeting?

The narrator was emotionally distressed and cried during the meeting but insisted on hearing the reasons for their termination immediately, despite the discomfort. They were not fully satisfied with the reasons given, feeling that they had not received enough constructive feedback throughout their tenure.

What personal challenges did the narrator face while working at McKinsey?

The narrator faced significant challenges, including a high workload, lack of sleep, and intense socializing, which was especially difficult as an introvert. These factors contributed to them feeling overwhelmed and in 'survival mode' rather than thriving.

How did the narrator process their emotions after being fired from McKinsey?

Initially, the narrator felt like the firing was akin to a bad breakup, given how deeply they had tied their self-worth to external achievements. However, through therapy and self-reflection, they were able to see the firing as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to pursue their true passion.