Thoughts on leaving MBB after 18 months?

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.

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

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 questions:

• First of all, if you would like to accept the transition offer, I would strongly advise you to first invest some time in understanding some of your personal guardrails for your future job, so that you'll have a very targeted search process. The types of jobs you will be targeting depend mostly on you and your preferences, so, contrary to what other coaches have said, I would like to stay away from giving you any specific advice.
• Moreover, yes, of course, there are still so many people, both in the USA and Europe, who are finding new, exciting roles these days, no matter how tense the economic situation is. I can imagine that transitioning can be scary, but I don't think that there is anything to be scared about, especially with your profile (based on what you shared).

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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 :)

Hello,

Sorry to hear! My advice would be to prioritize your mental health. If you are not happy there, just leave. There are many other opportunities in the world (in consulting and elsewhere) - your health comes first.