Withdraw accepted offer?

This is a tough spot, but it happens more often than you think, especially when offers come in a staggered timeline across different regions. It’s excellent that you are prioritizing professionalism because managing the transition cleanly is the only way to minimize the fallout.

Here is the reality of the situation: Since the start date is only a month away, you need to execute this immediately and decisively. The firm's biggest pain point right now is the sudden gap in their hiring pipeline, which they may still be able to fill from a waitlist if you move fast. Your goal is to make the process as administratively simple as possible for them.

Do not send an email first. You must call the Recruiter or the HR contact who manages your onboarding package directly. Keep the explanation brief, apologetic, and focused strictly on the geographical necessity. State clearly that, due to an unforeseen personal pivot on location strategy, you must stay in the US, and therefore, you must withdraw the offer immediately. Do not mention the other firm, do not compare the offers, and do not go into detail about long-term personal fit—just keep it focused on the impossibility of moving home now.

Be prepared for the call to be awkward. They will likely be disappointed or frustrated, but handling the conversation with absolute deference and taking full responsibility for the inconvenience is the key to maintaining respect. While you may have burned a bridge with that specific local office (and re-applying there will be impossible), the fact that your new role is geographically distant minimizes the long-term professional risk at a global level.

All the best with the pivot.

With truth. 

I would be very honest about it with them. Basically what you wrote here just put into more professional language. 

Everybody knows that it's not a great situation, so trying to make it sound better or coming up with some excuse it's only going to add insult to injury. 

Apologise, explain the situation and move on. 

Congrats on your achievement though! I'm happy for you. 

If you're starting soon, you might also find this guide useful:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant

Best,
Cristian

Hi,

I don't think there's escaping any of the awkwardness and tension by reneging your offer now. I think you just need to politely and apologetically explain your situation. You are not obligated to give the full story if you don't want to share it, and can share something generic e.g.  personal circumstances. 

Whether there is a risk of burning bridges - as long as you are handling it politely, i don't think the risk is that high given they are different countries. Worse come to worse, just apply for the other 2 firms next time :)

Regards,

Benjamin

I agree with all Benjamin, Cristian and Kevin have said. I'll add one note to this, which is that consulting firms move really fast. Within a week or two they would've moved on and if ever you needed to restart the conversation, they would already have the knowledge that you are top talent. 

Being the way it is, I'll also add that you should expect that they try dig into the root cause as there's a lot of recruitment investment "sunk", so they'd rather figure out how to get you in than want to look for new talent, and they can be very persuasive if you are not sure of yourself. Go in knowing what you want and remember that promises that aren't on paper are just words ;)

hey there :)

Be honest, polite, and concise. Thank them for the offer, explain that after reflection your personal circumstances make the US opportunity a better fit, and apologize for any inconvenience. Keep the tone appreciative and professional, MBB understands that life choices happen, and if done respectfully, you won’t burn bridges.

best, Alessa :)