Quit, or wait for being counseled out (BCG)?

This is an incredibly stressful place to be, but you are asking exactly the right strategic questions. The feeling that the outcome is inevitable after a "red flag" cycle, especially when staffed on a challenging, non-core case, is often correct—the dice have been cast.

Here is the reality of the process, which applies almost universally across MBB firms: Do not quit voluntarily. Your priority right now is maximizing your severance runway. When the firm decides to formally "counsel someone out," the process usually involves a formal offer (often called a 'transition package' or similar) that includes 3 to 6 months of pay and benefits, along with the expectation that you will spend that time actively looking for your next role. Quitting before they officially initiate this process means you forfeit that time and money.

Regarding your next job, the distinction between resigning and being counseled out has virtually no impact on external recruiting. Your future HR departments will only contact BCG to verify dates of employment and your title; they will not release performance reviews or state why you left. This is a standard liability reduction policy. Therefore, the "record" of being counseled out is effectively non-existent externally.

The key pivot you need to make is internal. You must immediately focus on securing 1-2 positive, personal recommendations from Partners or Senior Managers you worked well with before the final formal conversation happens. These personal reference calls are what actually moves the needle in your job search, not an official HR letter. Use the severance runway you gain by waiting to network intensely and execute your external search.

All the best with the transition.

Hi, thanks for your question—and I’m really sorry you’re dealing with such a stressful and anxiety-inducing situation.

First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many people go through situations like this at consulting firms simply because of the up-or-out nature of the model. It’s a reflection of fit and timing, not a reflection of your intelligence, capability, or long-term potential. This experience does not define the value you can create in your career, and plenty of very successful people have gone through something similar.

When it comes to deciding between quitting versus waiting for the evaluation, it’s most helpful to think about it in terms of what you want to do next, rather than worrying about how this might look to future employers. In reality, only you and HR know the details of your situation. When you’re on the job market, you control your story, and there’s no obligation to say you were counseled out. You can frame it as the role not being the right fit, your interests evolving, or wanting to pursue something more aligned with your strengths—whether you craft that narrative yourself or with the help of a coach.

There are also practical pros and cons to each option. Staying and potentially being counseled out may come with severance and additional runway, while leaving voluntarily can give you a greater sense of control. Neither path is inherently better—it really depends on your priorities.

Finally, it’s worth noting that firms like MBB genuinely want people to land well, even when counseling out. They often provide transition support, job-search resources, and connections, and want you to remain a strong part of the alumni network.
I hope this helps. Happy to talk more if useful

Hey there, 

This is a really tough spot to be in and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! Being on a red flag cycle and feeling the outcome may already be decided is mentally exhausting and can make everything feel very heavy.

A few pragmatic thoughts, based on how these situations typically play out:

1) In most cases, it makes sense to wait rather than quit proactively.
If the firm decides to counsel you out, I agree with the other coaches that this usually comes with time and financial runway (e.g., severance / transition period). Quitting voluntarily often means giving that up. Depending on the country you’re based in, this can also have implications for unemployment benefits or social security if you don’t land something immediately, so it’s worth factoring that in.

2) Externally, “counseled out” rarely matters as much as people fear.
Future employers typically don't verify internal performance discussions. What matters far more is how you tell your story and who can vouch for you personally.

3) Secure internal advocates now.
Try to line up 1–2 partners or senior managers you trust and who have seen you perform well. Personal references and informal calls are often much more powerful than any formal HR letter when it comes to the next role.

4) Use the firm’s resources while you still have access.
Many firms offer career coaching, transition support, trainings, or internal development resources. These can help both with navigating the situation emotionally and with preparing for what comes next (e.g., refining your narrative, strengthening specific skills).

5) Take care of yourself :)
This process is stressful and draining, and it’s normal to feel discouraged. Being counseled out is often about timing, fit, and a few unlucky projects, not a verdict on your long-term potential.

If I had to summarize: unless there’s a very strong personal reason to leave immediately, waiting usually gives you more time, more options, and more support to land well.

Wishing you strength navigating this and feel free to reach out if talking it through would help :)

Sorry to hear about this. 

Honestly, I think you should just wait while actively looking for other opportunities. 

Since you're being counseled out they're not going to give you a strong, voluntary recommendation letter anyway, and I don't think this is going to be influenced by how long you're going to stay in the firm for. 

Rather start thinking about what you'd want to do in the coming years and take active steps in that direction. 

It must feel really difficult this period for you. I'm sorry. If it helps, you're not alone. Lots of other people go through this process.

Best,
Cristian

Hey there,

at BCG, if someone is formally counseled out, they usually still get support for the transition, and friends who stayed through it often got recommendation letters, though it can vary by office and manager. Quitting voluntarily avoids the formal record, but it also means you lose some of the structured support and potentially a reference. Since you know a friend who stayed, it’s possible to finish the cycle and transition with some backing, but it’s a personal trade-off between security and timing.

best, Alessa :)