If you’re thinking about consulting, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: “Do they really work 70 hours a week?”

The short answer: Yes. 

But the reality is more nuanced. Some weeks are manageable, others push you to your limits.

In this article, I’ll walk you through:

• What a “typical” workday in consulting really looks like
• Why hours vary so much depending on project, client, and location
• A realistic breakdown of how consultants spend their time
• Practical tips to manage the workload (and stay sane)

The idea is simple: provide you with a clear picture so you can decide whether this lifestyle aligns with your own goals.

Let’s get started!

What Are the Typical Work Day Hours at a Consulting Firm?

Here’s the thing: there isn’t really a “normal” day in consulting. It’s a bit like firefighting. 

Your hours depend on whether there’s something urgent to solve.

That said, most consultants can expect 12-hour days or more during the week. In practice, that’s about 60–70 hours per week on average. 

When deadlines pile up, it can easily push into the 80–90 hour range. And yes, in extreme cases, people have worked 100 hours.

For a new analyst, here’s what it often looks like in reality:

Sample Week (Analyst)

• Mon–Thu: 8 AM – 9 PM (13 hours)
• Fri: 8 AM – 7 PM (11 hours)
• Weekend (occasional): 4–6 hours of prep or catch-up

It’s demanding, especially at the start. 

However, this provides a clearer understanding of what the “baseline” truly means, rather than just hearing the headline number.

Factors Influencing Work Hours in Consulting

So why are the hours in consulting so intense? It usually comes down to a few key factors:

• Project Demands – Short projects (e.g., 2 weeks) often mean late nights and fast turnarounds. Longer studies (e.g., 6 months) usually provide more stability from day to day. 
• Location – Geography matters. Offices in cities like Hong Kong or Dubai are known for their longer hours, while places like Amsterdam or Sydney often offer a more balanced schedule. 
• Client Expectations – Some clients prefer near-constant access, while others respect working hours. This alone can significantly change your weekly workload. 
• Seniority – Analysts and associates typically log the longest hours as they learn the ropes. As you progress, you gain more autonomy over your schedule, although the responsibilities also increase. 
• Personal Efficiency – Consultants who structure their time well often avoid unnecessary late nights. Working smart counts just as much as working hard.

In short, consulting hours shift based on the project you’re on, the culture of your office, the type of client you serve, and how efficiently you work.

A Typical Work Day in the Life of a Consultant

Now that we’ve covered the hours, what does an actual day look like? While no two days are identical, most follow a similar rhythm.

1. Early Morning (7–8 AM)

Consultants often start early, especially if they’re on-site with clients. The first hour is usually for:

• Reviewing emails
• Preparing for morning meetings
• Making last-minute updates to presentations
• Catching up on industry news 

Pro Tip: Use the first hour of your day for high-impact work. I call this the “Power Hour.” Tackling your most important tasks early sets the tone for everything that follows.

2. Core Working Hours (9 AM – 7 PM, sometimes later)

 This is when the bulk of the work happens:

• Client meetings and workshops
• Data analysis and research
• Team problem-solving sessions
• Drafting presentations and reports

This is where you’ll learn the most and contribute the most value.

3. Evening (after 7 PM)

For many consultants, the day doesn’t end when they leave the client site. Evenings often include:

• Finalizing deliverables
• Responding to emails left over from the day
• Preparing for tomorrow’s meetings
• Syncing with colleagues in different time zones

4. Weekends

Weekend work isn’t guaranteed, but it does happen. Tasks include:

• Wrapping up loose ends from the week
• Preparing decks or analyses for Monday
• Strategic planning for the upcoming week

It’s usually just a few hours, but it can still feel like a sacrifice. 

I remember weeks where I spent four hours on a Sunday evening polishing a client deck. Not the whole weekend, but enough to remind you this job doesn’t always switch off.

To sum up, here’s how you may feel, especially in your first 3 months.

• Some days feel energizing. You’re learning fast and seeing your impact.
• Other days feel draining. There’ll be long hours and high pressure can take a toll.

The first few months are a steep learning curve. But over time, you get better at managing your energy and finding balance.

Once you’ve found your rhythm, the next question is: how does this rhythm differ across firms

How Do Work Hours Compare Across Major Consulting Firms?

Not every firm runs on the same schedule. Culture, client base, and expectations make a big difference. Here’s how hours typically compare:

1. MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG)

These firms typically require the longest working hours. 70–80 hours per week, sometimes more. 

Why?  They serve top-tier clients who expect round-the-clock responsiveness, and the prestige of these firms creates intense pressure to deliver at the highest standard.

2. Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)

Hours are still heavy, usually 60–70 per week, but generally more manageable than MBB. A few reasons why:

• Project mix – work spans audit, advisory, and implementation, so not every engagement is an “all-nighter” strategy.
• Predictability – timelines can be more structured, giving consultants a greater sense of control.
• Office culture – many Big Four offices consciously promote work-life balance compared to MBB.

3. Boutique Firms

Boutiques vary widely. Some mirror the intensity of MBB, especially if they compete for the same types of clients. 

Others consciously build cultures that emphasize balance, with average hours closer to 50–70 per week. The key is research, boutique firms don’t all look the same.

So, where do you see yourself thriving?

If prestige and high-profile projects are most important, MBB may be worth the effort. If balance and lifestyle are priorities, the Big Four or select boutiques might be a better fit.

But firm culture is only part of the story. 

The bigger question is: what does it feel like to live those hours?

What’s the Psychological Impact of Long Consulting Hours

Now, let’s be clear. 

Long hours don’t just affect your calendar. They also affect your well-being.

After three months at my first firm, I realized I hadn’t taken a whole weekend off. That’s when the warning signs hit: constant fatigue, trouble focusing, and less motivation.

Burnout is a real phenomenon, and catching it early is crucial. 

In fact, up to 25% of new consultants leave within two years, usually due to workload, rather than a lack of capability.

So, watch out for:

• Ongoing exhaustion, even after rest
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings or irritability
• Feeling detached from your work.

Here’s how to stay ahead of it:

• Do a quick “3 Question Check-In” daily: Am I energized? Am I focused? Am I engaged?
• Build small rituals: 5 minutes of mindfulness, a short workout, or a non-work activity that recharges you.
• Protect time with friends or family. Make sure to stay connected keep perspective.

Our piece of advice: Mental health isn’t a side note. It’s what allows you to sustain performance in a demanding environment.

Coping Strategies for Thriving in Demanding Work Cultures

Consulting can feel like a pressure cooker, but adopting the proper habits makes a significant difference. Here are a few strategies that work in practice:

• Daily Reset – Even 5–10 minutes of mindfulness or breathing can clear your head. 
• Stay Active – Exercise doesn’t need to be long; short workouts keep your energy up.
• Social Anchors – Regular check-ins with friends or family help you stay grounded.
• Unplug Deliberately – Protect no-work zones (such as dinner or a whole weekend day).
• Morning Energy Ritual – Start with an activity that boosts your energy, such as reading, journaling, or taking a walk.

These small habits don’t just protect your mental health. They help you perform better on the job. Thriving in consulting is about managing both your output and your energy.

How to Manage Expectations and Thrive in Consulting

Time management in consulting is definitely about survival. The hours are long, and without structure it’s easy to burn out.

Here are a few techniques every new consultant should master:

• Eisenhower Matrix – Focus on what’s urgent and important. Don’t get lost in busywork.
• Time Blocking – Reserve hours for deep work, meetings, and even recovery.
• Batching – Group similar tasks to minimize constant context switching. 
• 2-Minute Rule – If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now. Don’t let small things pile up.

Beyond techniques, thriving in consulting also comes down to managing expectations, both yours and your team’s. Make sure to:

• Set boundaries – Be clear about when you’re available and when you’re not. Protect time for rest.
• Communicate proactively – Let your team know your bandwidth. It’s better to be upfront than to overcommit.
• Say no (smartly) – Decline non-essential tasks if they jeopardize more important work.
• Use tools well – Status indicators in Slack or Teams, shared calendars, and clear task trackers reduce misunderstandings.

These are primarily your survival tools to help you navigate your first year without burning out.

Remember, consulting will test your limits.

But with the right systems, you’ll realize you can handle more than you thought possible.

Career Progression and Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance in consulting typically improves as you advance, but the path to achieving it takes time. Here’s what it looks like in practice:

Role	Timeline	What to Expect
Analyst / Associate	0–2 years	Long hours, little control, steep learning curve
Senior Consultant	2–4 years	More autonomy, ability to manage workload better
Manager	4–6 years	Lead teams and balance multiple clients. Greater control but higher responsibility
Partner	7+ years	Influence strategy and workload at a firm level. Hours remain high, but you choose where to invest your energy

So while the hours don’t magically shrink, your ability to manage them grows as you progress through the ranks. 

That perspective makes the early grind more bearable.

Bottom Line: Is Consulting Right for You?

Consulting isn’t for everyone. It demands long hours, resilience, and a willingness to learn fast under pressure. But it also offers growth, exposure, and opportunities few other careers can match.

To decide if it’s right for you, ask yourself:

• Am I energized by solving complex problems?

• Am I comfortable with long hours, at least for the first few years?

• Do I value the career doors consulting can open?

• Am I willing to balance hard work with active self-care?

If most of your answers are “yes,” then, consulting could be the right move. If not, that’s equally valuable. It means you can pursue paths better aligned with your priorities.

Whatever you choose, ensure it aligns not only with your career goals but also with the life you want to build.

At the end of the day, consulting is about what you choose to take out of the experience.