Morale at McKinsey feels like it’s at an all-time low. Ongoing layoffs have gutted internal teams, leaving those who remain fully checked out. Senior leadership seems totally disconnected, asking for updates from teams that were eliminated months ago. Consultants are more stretched than ever, leaving less time to develop the judgment, client skills, and problem solving that once defined the firm. This place is quickly becoming a relic of the past

Fellow consultants — I have a shot at management but suspect a likeability gap is holding me back. I'm great one-on-one but struggle in group culture: I prefer owning projects solo, skip the lengthy "chew the fat" discussions, and have a hard time staying quiet when I see a better path. I notice senior leaders say less — I say more. How do you learn to play the game without losing yourself?

What was your salary progression after college and what do you think got you to your success?

At 5 YOE and 190 base and feel underpaid. How underpaid am I? What comp could I get if I jumped to another firm? Assume only jump that would be a step up is some T2 and above

Sourcing some crowd wisdom. I have an IPhone 12 Pro Max. The battery is shot and so been contemplating getting a new 17 pro max. But people are telling me to wait till September when the new iPhone is released. Should I wait? I have some overseas personal travel coming up and would like a better phone camera and reliable battery but is it worth getting a new phone right now? Thoughts?