Try to be tactful about it and don't overcommunicate. You are free to do whatever you want but of course no supervisor loves hearing that you're looking for the better thing. It's signals to them that you don't think much of the current role and that your heart is no longer in it.

Also, don't overestimate the importance of networking. Networking has become this obsession for people wanting to get into consulting jobs, but at the end of the day it only has a limited effect. Most of the information you can come across through networking is also available online. The only good thing that networking can do is that you get close enough to a person that they are willing to endorse your CV. But that's about it. It doesn't mean you have higher chances of getting the job.

So what I'd rather do is think strategically about what it is you want to find out about the application and how you could get that help. Then identify the people who could help and who can put you in touch with them. This way you have a more targeted approach that is less likely to bring about unpleasant situations with the current employer.

Hey there,

You are a free person and can apply for different jobs whenever you want. I would not advertise loudly that you are planning to leave of course, but would not compromise your networking efforts either.

As long as your performance does not suffer, it's a non-issue.

Fingers crossed for your move!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

TLDR: Pursue your interviewing passions, but just be smart about it.

I understand that you might be in a niche country/region so this is definitely a consideration! That said, my advice would be, if you want to switch, you should pursue that desire. People don't talk as much as you might think and I think the odds are pretty low here.

That said, while networking, do your best to keep it low-key. Tell those people that you'd prefer if word didn't get out given your current employment. Don't tell any of your current colleagues that you're already looking.

Best of luck to you!

Hi!

I'd do it with discretion but I'd definitely keep doing it :)

Good luck,

Anto

Hello,

Don't worry about it! Florian said it best - it might not be prudent to loudly advertise that you are looking for new jobs, but a lot of people in consulting move jobs after several years, and it certainly isn't something to snub you for as long as you continue to do good work and keep your job search in the background.