M7 grad considering leaving MBB after ~1 year for media/tech role in LA. Worth it or wait for better exit?
Background: M7 MBA, 1 year into McKinsey as a post-MBA associate.
My background pre-MBB was TMT banking and most of my staffings have been in AI implementation / transformation in financial services. From my year there I've noticed MBB is understaffed in the Analyst / Associate / Consultant levels and well overstaffed at the Engagement Manager/Project Leader/Case Team Leader level. As a result timeline for promotion has recently changed and most promotions appear to be taking longer (closer to 3years than 2). All that to say I'm probably still 1.5-2+ years away from EM/PL/TL.
I don't love the work though I am in good standing and had a good 1 year review. The travel as you all know is horrific and the hours quite brutal. I did the math and my hourly salary would increase ~1.5x+ if I accept. I don't really have any goals of making it to partner as I plan to leave before my girlfriend and I have kids.
The offer: Top streaming / media / tech platform. Growth & Strategy role ideating and implementing strategy alongside streaming partners (I'd be in charge of Netflix and Youtube for the company). ~$165k base + ~$30k RSUs annually. Out of SoCal ~5 min from my apartment. Standard 40 hour work weeks. Hiring manager has explicitly discussed promotion within a year. I really like her and the Senior Director of the team and they've also mentioned exposure to leadership, supportive of internal mobility, etc..
Career goals: VP or Senior Director in entertainment or tech. I'd like to hit Director by ~35. I am about to enter my 30s.
The question: Is this a legitimate MBB exit? Is this a good post MBA role? Or should I wait for a purer strategy role? Worried about prestige of the title (I know its vain but this is how recruiters think and its also important for networking), being pigeonholed, and lack of geographic flexibility.
Thoughts? Any insights appreciated. I realize people will be on both sides calling me stupid for leaving MBB or calling me dumb for not taking this role with a better work life balance in my target industry/ies.
Really just want to hear how others think through this.
Thanks!