Thoughts on leaving MBB after 18 months?

Question

Hello,

I've been working for an MBB firm in Europe and have recently been given two options: either accept a transition period of 6 months or be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Background:
I have 6 years of experience in consulting and industry prior to my MBA, a top-tier MBA degree, and will have spent 1.5 years at MBB by the time I leave.

I'm leaning toward accepting the package and returning to North America to find another role, for three main reasons:

I dislike my current country of residence and am experiencing significant depression.
I’m seeking a less stressful job so I can work on my start up ideas on the side - while also focusing on my personal life—specifically my relationship.
I don’t enjoy the work, and I don’t aspire to make Partner. My original plan was to transfer back to my home country within a year, get promoted to EM, and then leave. That transfer is now off the table due to the current market and my rating history. Given this, I believe it's better to leave now.

My questions:

How can I best navigate this transition?
Is it realistic to find a new role at this stage of my career, given the market?
What kinds of jobs should I be targeting?
Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hey there, I'm sorry to hear that. That's a really tough spot to be in, but it sounds like you're being incredibly smart about prioritizing your own well-being and happiness.

My first piece of advice is to take the transition period. It's a way for you to leave gracefully, on good terms with the firm, and with a bit of a runway. A PIP is much more complicated and can be difficult to manage.

As for what's next, you're in a much better position than you think. A year and a half at an MBB firm, on top of your background and MBA, is still a huge asset on your resume. Firms know what that experience means.

In this market, your best bet is to target roles that value your strategic skillset but offer a better work-life balance for your startup and personal life. I would look at jobs in corporate strategy or internal consulting within a large company. A product management role is also a fantastic option, as it’s often less intense and a great bridge to the startup world.

You've got a fantastic background and you've made the right decision for yourself. Now it’s just about navigating this next step, and you’re in a great position to do so.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing openly – this is a tough situation but not uncommon. A few thoughts:

On leaving after 18 months: It’s absolutely possible to reposition yourself successfully. Recruiters and hiring managers will understand that MBB is high-pressure and not for everyone long-term. What matters is how you frame your exit: emphasize that you’ve gained top-tier problem-solving and strategy skills and are now seeking to apply them in a more sustainable role where you can have long-term impact.
Navigating the transition: Accepting the package and framing it as a voluntary career move (rather than referencing the PIP) is the cleanest option. Make sure you secure strong references from supportive partners or managers before you exit – those will carry more weight than the internal HR classification.
Market realism: Yes, the market is challenging, but someone with your background (pre-MBA experience + MBB + MBA) is still very marketable. Many corporates, scale-ups, and even PE/VC portfolio companies value that blend of strategic training and operating exposure.
Types of roles to target:
- Corporate strategy & transformation teams in large companies (lower stress vs. MBB, but still impactful).
- BizOps / Strategy & Operations roles in scale-ups or tech firms – gives you ownership while leaving space for side projects.
- Corporate development / internal M&A if you want something transaction-oriented.
- If you want a lighter load: senior roles in mid-sized companies where you can shape strategy without the grind.
Key next steps:
1. Secure references now while you still can.
2. Tighten your narrative – “I achieved my goal of gaining MBB training post-MBA, now I want to return to North America and take a role with greater focus and balance.”
3. Leverage alumni networks (MBA + MBB) – they’ll open more doors than cold applications.

Overall, leaving after 18 months will not derail you – as long as you manage the story and pivot into roles aligned with your goals.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Best,

Evelina

Answer 3

Hey there :)

It's not unusual to leave alreay, and with your 6 years of pre-MBA experience plus the MBB brand and a top MBA you’ll still have plenty of strong options. If you don’t want to push through a PIP, taking the package and planning your next move calmly is the smarter path.

In terms of transition: reframe the story as “after my MBA I explored top-tier consulting, confirmed my skills, but realized I want to focus on building and execution rather than staying on the partner track.” That keeps the narrative positive and avoids red flags.

On roles: in North America, ex-MBB with your profile can realistically aim for corporate strategy, internal consulting, chief of staff / strategic projects roles, or senior roles in industry (especially in sectors linked to your background). Growth equity, PE portfolio operations, and scale-ups are also options if you want something more entrepreneurial.

The market is tougher than a few years ago, but for someone with your combination (MBA + MBB + prior experience) it’s still very possible. Best is to leverage your MBA alumni network and ex-MBB network.. those referrals are gold.

So don’t worry: it’s realistic, you just need a tight story and targeted applications toward roles that value execution, strategy, and leadership rather than pure consulting grind.

best, Alessa :)