[Consulting Career Change] Key Traits and Reasons Behind Regret and Failure — Plus Tips for Success

Career changes to consulting have been growing in popularity year by year, but it is not uncommon for people to ride the wave of that popularity, make the switch, and then end up regretting their decision to enter the consulting industry.

With that in mind, this article is aimed at those considering a career change into consulting, covering topics such as suitability, the likelihood of regret, and how to prevent a poor fit.

※The information about companies and job listings in this article is current as of 2025.

[Survey Results] 6 Reasons People Regret Switching to Consulting!

Even after successfully transitioning into consulting, it is not uncommon for people to have regrets after starting the job.

First, here are the 6 most frequently cited “reasons for post-transfer regret” from our survey.

1. Strong Idealized Image of Consulting Led to Disappointment

For the first few years after joining, employees are placed as analysts or associates. Much of the work involves data handling and document organization, with little opportunity to take the lead on business improvement consulting. As a result, many people become discouraged during this document-heavy phase and regret making the switch.

It is important to understand upfront that the path to handling client problem-solving work is not all glamour.

2. Working Hours Were Longer Than Expected

Consulting work carries enormous responsibility, as it is directly tied to a client company’s business performance, and there are many days when it is simply not possible to finish within regular working hours.

Companies that hire consulting firms often pay tens of millions to billions of yen per year for those services, so an extremely high level of quality is expected in return.

Compared to life before the career change, personal time is significantly reduced, and there is a real risk of losing sight of why you are working in the first place.

3. The Required Level of Performance Was Higher Than Expected

In consulting, you are expected to provide precise and rapid solutions to the complex challenges clients face. It is an environment where multi-faceted skills such as logical thinking, analytical ability, and specialized knowledge are constantly tested.

Furthermore, because consulting services come at a high cost, client expectations are extremely high. Not only are impactful proposals required, but consultants are often expected to support implementation as well, meaning the bar is never low.

This naturally leads to significant pressure and a heavy sense of responsibility. For some, the relentless demand for results leads to mental exhaustion, and many find this aspect particularly challenging.

4. Felt Inferior Surrounded by So Many Talented People

Consulting firms operate on a merit-based, performance-driven model rather than seniority, which can sometimes lead to feelings of inferiority. For example, it is not uncommon for a colleague to be promoted to manager while you are not.

While being surrounded by talented individuals drives your own growth, it can also lead to loss of confidence through constant comparison with others.

5. The Volume of Unglamorous, Repetitive Work Was Overwhelming

The reality of consulting work is that it involves a great deal of routine tasks such as data analysis, research, document creation, and schedule coordination. On top of that, effective communication must be maintained with everyone from client management to on-site staff.

It is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and some may find themselves feeling “there’s never enough time” or “this is tedious.” While steady work such as document organization and data analysis is essential to keeping a project on track, the gap between the glamorous image of consulting and the post-transfer reality is a common source of frustration.

6. Difficulty Proactively Learning Skills Required for Consulting

Consultants must take the initiative to continuously learn new things on their own. Those who can study when instructed but struggle to do so independently are at high risk of regretting the move.

As those around you grow, you may find yourself feeling painfully left behind.

3 Reasons Former Consultants Say “Don’t Go Into Consulting”

Those with no prior experience in the consulting industry are at high risk of regret after the move if they do not understand the industry’s characteristics. Here are some reasons why a consulting career change may not be recommended.

1. High Likelihood of Health Issues

Consultants face a high risk of both physical and mental health problems due to the sheer volume of work. While work-life balance has been receiving more attention in the consulting industry in recent years, the workload and working hours are still comparatively long when measured against a typical company. On top of that, the pressure to deliver high-quality results to clients can lead to mental burnout.

To succeed as a consultant, you need both the mental resilience to maintain high performance under pressure and the physical stamina to stay healthy in a demanding work environment. Without either one, consulting may not be the right fit.

Additionally, given the client-first mindset required, those who prefer to work at their own pace may find it difficult.

2. The Ambition of Those Around You Is Extremely High

The consulting industry attracts highly motivated individuals with a strong drive to grow. Everyone around you is deeply committed to delivering results and constantly sharpening their skills and knowledge.

There is a deeply ingrained belief that “you must provide value commensurate with the high fees being charged,” and colleagues and seniors alike approach their work with a relentless, disciplined attitude. While this can be inspiring, there will likely be moments where you feel you simply cannot keep up.

For those who tend to compare themselves to others and become discouraged, or who are easily swept up by the pace of those around them, this environment can become a significant source of stress. Those who are easily overwhelmed by the high ambition of their peers should think carefully before making the leap.

3. Difficult to Transition to a Different Career Afterward

Because consultants rarely develop deep expertise in a specific field, there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to build highly specialized knowledge or hands-on practical experience. This can be a drawback for those aiming to become specialists.

In the job market, candidates with strong “specialization” are generally considered more valuable, so a “lack of specialization” may put you at a disadvantage in future job searches.

5 Characteristics of People Who Fail After Transitioning to Consulting

Even after making the move to consulting, many people feel they have “failed” or “made the wrong choice.” Here are the characteristics of people who are better off not pursuing a consulting career, or who are at high risk of failure.

1. People with Insufficient Skills

Consulting work constantly demands a high level of skills and knowledge.

Because the assignments vary widely, continuous learning is a must. Those who cannot find time to develop their technical knowledge and skills within a demanding schedule will likely regret making the move.

2. People Unable to Act in the Best Interest of the Client

In the consulting industry, “client first” is a frequently used phrase, and a mindset that always prioritizes the client is a fundamental requirement.

Therefore, consulting is not suited for those who are unable to understand a client’s challenges and needs, propose optimal solutions, and take action to support their business growth.

If you tend to prioritize your own interests or those of your company over the customer, you may want to consider other career paths.

3. People with Poor Schedule Management Skills

Without strong schedule management skills, you risk losing the trust of clients and may face situations where consulting simply cannot be carried out effectively.

Consultants are expected to have “the ability to honor commitments to clients by their deadlines, no matter what unexpected events arise.” Those who struggle to set goals with deadlines and reliably meet them are at high risk of regretting the career change.

4. People Who Are Slow to Respond

Slow responses can create the impression that your work itself is slow, and can even lead to serious problems.

Quick responses create breathing room in both time and tasks, keeping projects moving and opening up a wider range of strategic options. However, slow responses can bring projects to a halt and narrow the available options.

If you know that slow response times are something you struggle with, it is worth making a conscious effort to respond promptly.

5. People Who Switched to Consulting Purely for a Salary Increase

While a successful move into consulting can certainly lead to higher pay, the level of expected output and the associated pressure also increase significantly. Pursuing a salary increase as the sole motivation is therefore not a wise strategy.

 Beyond salary, it is important to reflect on questions such as “What do I want to achieve as a consultant?” and “How can I advance my career as a consultant?”

6 Characteristics of People Well-Suited for a Consulting Career Change

Many people picture consulting as a job that is primarily about using your mind. However, consulting is not simply about sitting in a sleek office, staring at a computer screen, and producing documents.

Here, we introduce the characteristics of people well-suited for a career change into consulting.

1. People with Physical Stamina

Consultants can find themselves spending long stretches of time solving the problems clients face, sometimes going without a day off for extended periods. As a result, the stamina to endure demanding work is essential.

Consulting might seem like a desk job focused on identifying corporate problems and preparing proposals, but it also involves going to client sites to gather information, compiling detailed figures, executing and refining proposed initiatives, and much more — all of which require physical energy.

Depending on the project, there may be stretches of three months or more with virtually no days off and consistently late nights.

For that reason, physical stamina is perhaps a more critical factor in consulting than many people expect.

2. People with Strong Logical Thinking Skills

Consulting requires the ability to untangle complex problems and organize them into a coherent framework. Those who can look beyond surface-level symptoms and identify the underlying root causes through logical thinking are well-suited for consulting.

For example, when working with a company whose performance has stalled, you need to analyze the situation from multiple angles — sales, costs, organizational structure — and translate that analysis into concrete improvement measures. Many situations demand proposals grounded in evidence rather than intuition.

Delivering proposals that truly resonate with clients also requires the ability to clearly articulate the logic from problem → root cause → solution. Those who can assess situations calmly and make well-reasoned judgments are highly trusted in a consulting environment.

3. People with Strong Interpersonal Skills

Consultants work closely with a wide range of people, including client company representatives and internal team members. For that reason, the ability to communicate smoothly with others while understanding their perspective is an extremely important quality.

It is not simply about being able to hold a conversation — it requires the ability to empathize with a client’s challenges and concerns and build genuine trust. For example, in presentations and proposal settings, whether you can communicate logically while also connecting with your audience on a human level directly affects outcomes.

Without this skill, proposals can come across as one-sided, and relationships with clients may become strained. Those who are willing to engage with people sincerely and can respond flexibly based on the other person’s reactions have a strong potential to thrive as consultants.

4. People with Strong Intellectual Curiosity

Consultants have the opportunity to engage with challenges across a wide range of industries and themes, not limited to any single sector. A proactive attitude toward learning about unfamiliar content — industry structures, business models, internal organizational dynamics — is essential.

In such an environment, those who naturally ask questions like “Why is this problem occurring?” and “How can we make this better?” and who enjoy digging deeper tend to excel. The stronger your intellectual curiosity, the greater your capacity to absorb new information and broaden your thinking.

There will inevitably be stretches of methodical research and repeated hypothesis testing that can feel tedious, but whether you can approach those moments with a positive mindset is what sets people apart. Those who can maintain genuine interest in new topics are likely to find consulting genuinely rewarding.

5. People Who Approach Challenges with a Positive Mindset

In consulting, there is rarely a clear-cut answer. More often, you are exploring paths forward through hypothesis-driven thinking, tackling complex problems where the right answer is far from obvious. In those moments, a forward-looking attitude — the belief that “there is always a solution to be found” — becomes critical.

Those who, when faced with difficult situations, refuse to give up and instead persistently ask “What can we do to break through this?” tend to earn the trust of their team and act as a driving force that keeps projects moving forward. This mindset is arguably just as important as analytical ability.

A positive attitude also has a beneficial impact on client relationships. Approaching challenges with constructive, forward-thinking proposals builds a sense of reassurance and trust. Those who habitually see things in a positive light tend to earn high evaluations as a result.

6. People with English Proficiency

Strong English skills open doors beyond domestic projects, allowing you to take on projects involving foreign-owned companies and overseas markets. The scope of work expands dramatically, and with it, the opportunities to make an impact.

In particular, when supporting companies with global expansion plans, English is regularly used in document preparation, meetings, and interviews. Strong English proficiency allows you to work seamlessly without language barriers.

For those aiming to enter the consulting industry, English ability will undoubtedly be a point of differentiation. Adding language skills to your professional toolkit will help you become a trusted resource across a broader range of fields.

4 Tips for a Successful Transition into Consulting

To make a successful move into consulting, it is essential to find a firm that is a good match for your personality and strengths. For those making their first career change, a lack of understanding about the nature of consulting work can lead to regret after the move.

Here are the key tips and points to keep in mind for a successful consulting career transition.

1. Identify the Right Consulting Firm for You

The most important factor when deciding which firm to target is the industry or category of consulting the firm specializes in.

Consulting services are tailored to the specific challenges of the client, varying by function and category. For that reason, understanding the industry and category focus of each consulting firm is absolutely essential.

Most consulting firms fall into one of the following eight categories.

For a detailed breakdown of the differences between each type, please refer to the article linked below.

2. Develop a Clear Understanding of What Consulting Work Actually Involves

Consulting is fundamentally about steadily and methodically solving client problems, and making the move based solely on a positive image of the field significantly increases the risk of post-transfer regret. It is important to thoroughly research what consulting actually involves before making the switch.

The primary function of a consulting firm is to resolve issues faced by client companies. As a neutral third party, consultants must objectively assess market trends and business conditions and propose actionable solutions.

Additionally, roles and responsibilities vary by seniority within consulting firms, and it can take a minimum of approximately 5 to 7 years before you are in a position to independently manage projects.

For those entering without prior consulting experience, the first one to three years as an analyst are primarily spent on administrative tasks such as research, analysis, and document preparation. Understanding that building foundational skills takes time — and that client-facing proposals and meetings come later — is important preparation before making the move.

3. Use a Recruitment Agency Specializing in the Consulting Industry

Using a recruitment agency that specializes in consulting industry placements can significantly streamline the career transition process.

A specialized agency will have in-depth knowledge of the differences between consulting firms and can provide accurate, detailed information about the specific industries and companies you are targeting. With established connections to each firm, they can also share the latest information that is difficult to find on your own, enabling thorough company research before you apply.

Drawing on experience accumulated through past placements, they can also provide career change preparation know-how, helping you produce interview materials and resume documents you can be genuinely satisfied with.

Because the consulting industry is a highly competitive one to break into, the quality of your preparation matters enormously. Make the most of an agency that specializes in your target industry to give yourself the best possible advantage.

4. Make the Most of Training and Seminars Offered by Consulting Firms

For those aiming to transition into consulting, attending the training sessions and career seminars hosted by individual consulting firms is extremely valuable. These events offer insight into the day-to-day work, required skills, and actual working conditions — all of which greatly deepen your understanding of the industry.

Learning about each firm’s culture, values, and work environment also helps you assess whether a particular workplace is the right fit for you. Many seminars include opportunities to interact with current employees, making them an invaluable chance to hear candid, first-hand accounts.

Many seminars are offered free of charge, and online formats mean you can participate from the comfort of your own home. If there is a firm that interests you, take advantage of these opportunities to gather information and lay the groundwork to avoid a poor fit.

7 Recommended Recruitment Agencies for the Consulting Industry

When transitioning into the consulting industry, it is highly recommended to use a recruitment agency with deep knowledge of the career change process.

Here are seven recruitment agencies with strong track records in supporting consulting industry placements.

1. ConsulNext.jp

ConsulNext.jp provides career change support for young professionals in their 20s and 30s, including new graduates, who are looking to enter the consulting industry.

The agency has particular strength in supporting placements at venture consulting firms.

Service Name	ConsulNext.jp
Target Age	Young professionals in their 20s–30s
Number of Listings	Undisclosed
Job Listing Features	Many listings from mid-sized and smaller consulting firms
Coverage Area	Nationwide

The operating company, Mirai Works, has an extensive track record working with consulting firms and corporations, and has accumulated deep expertise in connecting professional talent with the right organizations.

They offer professional-focused staffing services, solution services, and career and recruitment information.

2. Recruit Agent

Recruit Agent is Japan’s largest recruitment agency, operated by Recruit Co., Ltd.

With the No. 1 placement track record in Japan, it is widely praised for the high quality of its support.

Service Name	Recruit Agent
Target Age	All ages
Number of Listings	Approx. 100,000 public listings; approx. 100,000 private listings
Job Listing Features	Among the highest volume of listings in Japan; many listings from publicly listed companies
Coverage Area	Nationwide

Recruit Agent boasts a top-tier volume of listings in Japan, with approximately 100,000 publicly listed positions and approximately 100,000 privately listed ones. With nationwide coverage, it is possible to pursue consulting positions even in regional areas.

It handles a particularly large number of listings in management, strategy, operations, business consulting, and IT/systems consulting.

A resume editor tool also allows users to create polished CVs quickly, enabling an efficient job search process.

3. WorkPort

WorkPort is a recruitment agency operated by WorkPort Co., Ltd. With over 20 years of experience supporting career transitions, it has grown into a popular service used by more than 30,000 people per month.

Service Name	WorkPort
Target Age	Not specified
Number of Listings	Approx. 81,000
Job Listing Features	Approx. 70–95% are high-quality private listings; 649 public listings for management and strategy consulting
Coverage Area	Nationwide

With nationwide coverage and approximately 81,000 publicly listed positions, WorkPort supports career transitions both in major cities and regional areas.

4. Cotora

Cotora is a recruitment agency operated by Cotora Co., Ltd., specializing exclusively in high-caliber career transitions. It has established a strong reputation in supporting placements in the finance, IT, and consulting sectors, and is particularly well-regarded for the expertise of its active advisors and its high interview success rate.

Service Name	Cotora
Target Age	Not specified
Number of Listings	Approx. 20,000
Job Listing Features	Listings available for candidates in their 50s and above; strong range of high-level consulting positions
Coverage Area	Nationwide

IT consulting listings make up the largest share of available positions, accounting for nearly half of all listings. Business consulting roles are also represented, so it is worth checking if this is your area of interest.

Cotora also offers a proprietary self-assessment questionnaire. Those who want a detailed self-analysis before starting the job search, or who are unsure how to present themselves in resumes and interviews, may find it particularly useful.

With nationwide coverage, Cotora is also a good option for those looking to relocate from regional areas to major cities, or vice versa.

5. JAC Recruitment

JAC Recruitment is a recruitment agency with particular strength in global talent placement, both domestically and internationally. Having claimed the top overall position in the “Oricon Customer Satisfaction Survey for High-Class and Mid-Class Career Changes” for five consecutive years, the quality of its services speaks for itself.

Service Name	JAC Recruitment
Target Age	Not specified
Number of Listings	Undisclosed
Job Listing Features	Listings targeting candidates in their 50s; positions offering 10M+ yen annual salary
Coverage Area	Nationwide

IT consulting listings are the most numerous, followed by strategy consulting. With a strong range of management and specialist roles, as well as positions offering annual salaries of 10 million yen or more — and some with hiring ceilings of 20 million yen — JAC Recruitment is well-suited for those looking to significantly advance their careers.

Support is also available for navigating multiple job offers and negotiating employment terms, making it a great option for those who want to manage their career change process smoothly.

As an international recruiting firm founded in London, JAC Recruitment also excels at supporting placements at globally operating companies. Its unique network of connections to overseas-based organizations is a distinguishing feature not found at most domestic agencies.

6. Pasona Career

Pasona Career is a comprehensive, nationwide recruitment agency operated by Pasona Inc., one of the major players in the staffing industry. It is highly regarded for the attentive and thorough support provided by its career advisors, and strikes a strong balance between large-scale service breadth and personalized attention.

Service Name	Pasona Career
Target Age	Not specified
Number of Listings	Approx. 50,000
Job Listing Features	Listings available for 8M yen+ annual salary; strong range of large-firm listings
Coverage Area	Nationwide

Listings tend to be concentrated in business consulting, finance and accounting, and strategy and management. With a strong selection from major consulting firms as well, it is a particularly good fit for experienced professionals looking to take on larger-scale projects.

A dedicated consultant specializing in consulting career transitions handles everything from job recommendations to interview scheduling to employment condition negotiations. With a strong track record in salary negotiations, it is well-suited for those aiming to advance their careers and increase their compensation.

7. Executive Link

Executive Link is a specialized recruitment agency exclusively for those transitioning into the consulting industry. With over 500 successful placements per year and a strong record in high-caliber consulting roles, it offers genuine potential for significant salary increases.

Service Name	Executive Link
Target Age	Not specified
Number of Listings	Undisclosed
Job Listing Features	Strong range of high-caliber listings; broad selection spanning major firms and venture firms
Coverage Area	Nationwide

Support is comprehensive, covering not only document screening and interview preparation, but also written exam coaching. For written exam preparation, candidates receive information on past trends and sample questions specific to each consulting firm, helping them enter the exam fully prepared.

Interview coaching is also available to help candidates prepare for the questions and challenges posed by consulting firms. Guidance on business cases and Fermi estimation — problem types that require strong logical thinking — ensures candidates develop the analytical mindset that consulting demands before making the move.

Frequently Asked Questions About Consulting Career Changes

Finally, here are some frequently asked questions from those looking to make the move into the consulting industry, addressing common concerns and points of uncertainty.

Summary

Even within the consulting industry, motivations for making the move vary widely — from skill development and salary growth to a desire to work in a consulting-style role with a long-term career vision in mind.

If you have any hesitation about making the change, starting by gathering information will help you arrive at a decision you can feel confident about.

Recruitment agencies each have their own strengths — some have a large number of private listings, while others offer robust post-placement support. It is important to compare their services, listing volumes, and other features to find the agency that is the best fit for your needs.

If you are considering a career change into consulting or the broader consulting industry, please feel free to reach out to ConsulNext.jp.