How to evaluate reneging an offer vs. join a dream firm?

Question

Recently my current company provided a regional opportunity working at the headquarter, but the new boss wanted me to commit for 2 year (at least). My current boss has been very supportive about this opportunity. As I was originally planning to apply to MBB firms recently, I am facing a moral dilemma.

Should I sign up for the regional role but speed up MBB application at the same time, keeping the regional role as a “back up choice”? Or should I stick in the role for 2 years then apply to MBB at that time? I know MBB is my ideal firm and I want to join the firms at the right timing in my career.

Could you please share with me your past experience, how to make a decision of breaking a commitment (i.e. reneging an offer)?

Answer 1

Unless your new boss is asking you to sign a legal contract for a 2-year commitment, there is no reason to feel any “moral dilemma”. The rule is - you wantz your dream job - you haz your dream job.

The only dilemma you should worry about is legal hassles.

It is perfectly acceptable to say that 6-months down the line you changed your mind about your career ambitions due to XYZ reasons. No one is going to hold you back form switching jobs.

If your new boss is the sort of person who will stab you in the back at the reference-check phase for jumping too early - then you better not join with him at all. Better to keep your current supportive boss and get-on with attempting for MBB.

If you make it to MBB, then good! If you don't make it to MBB - figure out something else with your supportive boss.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Q: Should I sign up for the regional role but speed up MBB application at the same time, keeping the regional role as a “back up choice”? Or should I stick in the role for 2 years then apply to MBB at that time? I know MBB is my ideal firm and I want to join the firms at the right timing in my career.

If your goal is to join MBB, you should go for it. As mentioned by Ian, your current role could be a good backup plan to then apply again in 2 years if it doesn’t work now. If possible, try to anticipate things with MBB so that you don't have to withdraw a newly signed contract.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

What a great problem to have!

If MBB is your dream and that's where you ultimately want to be, why wait? I think it makes sense to try to accelerate MBB and keep the regional role as a backup. If you don't get an offer, you have an excellent plan B AND get a 2nd attempt in 2 year's time :)

Answer 4

Hello!

This is very personal, but I would 100% go for it an apply. Having options is never never never and issue

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

You should accelerate the MBB process. It's great if you can get the offer before you sign in to the new role, it's sort of ok if it happens when you are in the transition process.

They want the commitment because they will give you training (either formal or “on the job” for a long time and expect to recover that investment. So if you are going to leave, do it as soon as possible, or then wait the 2 years. Nothing in between is acceptable.

Answer 6

If you are absolutely clear & sure about joining MBB, then go for it. Speed up the process now.

If the current firm makes you sign a 2-year bond, then you need to work out how to not do that and keep your commitment to “verbal and based on best efforts”. Dont sign and then try to come out of it inside of 2 years should you get the MBB offer.

Have a look at this article for some helpful tips you can borrow: https://www.preplounge.com/en/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

All the best!