Pip + getting fired

Question

Hi everyone,

Here’s my situation. I’m currently at a Big 4 consulting firm (non-strategy), where I’ve been for 2.5 years.

Three years ago, I passed MBB screening but wasn’t ready for interviews and failed first rounds. Since then, I’ve been slowly preparing for MBB — it’s my dream — but mental health issues have slowed me down.

This past year, I underperformed. I had conflicts with a senior colleague and didn’t handle solo client meetings well. My mental health affected how I reacted, and I take responsibility for how things went.

I didn’t get promoted this year. Officially, I’m still on track to be promoted to senior in 2 years, but realistically I think that opportunity is gone. After my performance review, my manager told me to look for another job, and I may soon be placed on a PIP.

I’m an immigrant — my legal status is still valid for 2 more years, but I need a job to pay rent and stay financially stable. If they officially terminate me, I may be eligible for unemployment benefits, which could buy me some time to figure things out.

Right now I’m torn between:

Moving to another Big 4 or equivalent at senior level to reset and rebuild but this would also postpone the fact that I could enter strategy consulting which is my goal and dream
Applying and prepare to MBB/Tier 2 to chase my dream and goal
Searching for any job to stay in the country and stabilize financially

I’m from a target school and had a strong record before this year. Any advice on how to move forward would mean a lot.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

A lot of strong candidates go through setbacks, professionally and personally. And if anything, applying again shows dedication and commitment.

Here’s how I’d look at your options:

Option 3 keeps you afloat but doesn’t move you forward towards your goal. Pursue it if your legal or financial situation gives you no other choice.

Option 1 gives short-term stability but keeps you in a cycle you’ve already outgrown. If you go this route, make sure you’re not just buying time out of fear.

Option 2 is higher risk but has the highest upside. You know what you want. You have a clear target. If you’ve built a 3 to 6 month emergency fund, don't have anyone you need to support in your family, or are eligible for unemployment benefits, this is the window to double down on prep and go after MBB or Tier 2.

You'll need a tight story, sharp thinking, and composure in the room. You still have a shot, but you need to commit. If you want guidance on how to position yourself or sharpen your case prep, happy to talk.

Answer 2

Hi There,

I am really sorry to hear about this situation you are going through. I think all 3 options have their pros and cons. However, I will say that mental health challenges should be prioritized and you know yourself best. Getting a corporate strategy job in Industry may give you better work life balance and give you time to address any health challenges you are facing. If you feel like you are in a good spot then Option 2 could be feasible. However, I would still keep Option 1 as a backup in case Option 2 does not pan out.

Obviously this is a tough situation, but I definitely think that you should 100% make sure you feel that you can deal not only with the stress of prepping for strategy interviews, but also the intensity of the role you may step into.

Hope this helps and am happy to chat if helpful.

Best of luck and keep your head up. One set back does not define who you are or your career.

-Ankit A

Answer 3

Hi there,

Sorry for this situation, really.You have to consider your reality.
If you are dealing with mental challenges, consulting may not be the best bet right now.

Not only the process is hard, but the work is very difficult, psychologically speaking.

Without any other info, I would say for you to aim either a T2 consulting where you won’t have the pressure of MBB but will contribute to your CV considering MBB in the medium term OR other Big4 as you already know the job and can start fresh getting good results. Both assuming you’ll take care of yourself.

I wish you all the best, and hope you get better soon.

Mari

Answer 4

Sorry to hear.

Regardless of options 1-3, let them pip you. you get to ride it out, get severances and it does not impact your hiring pipeline at all - orgs are not allowed to tell your reference checkers why u left. only what periods you worked at. Milk your org!

Answer 5

Hi,

Very sorry to hear about the situation - must have been a tough time for you. It takes courage to be so candid and to ask for help. So I think you are taking the right (first) steps.

As for your options, I think it depends a lot on your mental health situation. If you don't feel you are fully ready, maybe don't rush to another consulting job, regardless whether it is Big 4, Tier 2, or MBB. Option 3, especially if you can land a job in corporate that is strategy related, that'd give you time to recover better, and prepare better for your next try for consulting. You can always come back to consulting later when you are more ready. For now, health is much more important than a short term career boost.

Only if you feel you are fully ready mentally, then you can actually prepare for both Option 1 and 2 at the same time.

Hope this helps. Take good care of yourself!

Best,

Emily

Answer 6

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with your current employer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, if joining a strategy consulting firm is your dream, I would strongly advise you to start preparing seriously for these firms now, if your mental health allows for it. You’ve already come far in the past, and even with a tough year, you’re still from a strong background. If you secure benefits or have some savings, this is a realistic moment to chase your dream before it slips further.
Moreover, while applying for any job as a safety net can help financially, I would only pursue this as a last resort if the pressure of job loss becomes immediate. If needed, apply for a short-term corporate role in strategy or transformation that keeps your profile sharp while giving you breathing room.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen