Hello there, 

First of all, congrats on getting the consulting offer. 

Yes, you are overthinking this a bit (but don't worry many people go through this thinking process once in their career). I would be transparent with the current employer explaining them that you are at a stage in your career where you see consulting as the right move to rapidly expand your skillset/ learning curve and experience working across different industries. Highlight the positive things about your current employer and the fact that you have learnt a lot from your time at the position. You could even say that you would potentially consider moving back to the company in strategic roles, after having worked in consulting for a few years (even though you might not want to).

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Hi there,

I (respectfully) disagree with the other advice already given to you.

You are right in thinking that this is a very bad look and that your boss will be upset. This should not change you taking the offer BUT you need to be prepared for the very real possibility of strong pushback.

Unfortunately, this act in-and-of-itself is likely burning a bridge. The fact of the matter is:

1) She took a risk on you

2) She invested time and money in you

3) She needs you in your role for this project to succeed

4) You promised

Again, please don't change your decision to leave, BUT do be prepared to look at this from her side.

Now, here's what I advise (disclaimer, I don't know your exact situation and there is a lot of nuance to this):

1. Make sure you have the offer in hand, have signed, they have signed, and you have a clear start date in the very near future
2. Setup a meeting with your boss (ideally in person), and ideally in a “neutral” setting like grabbing a coffee
3. Start out by acknowledging everything she had done to help you. Say you appreciate everything and have been really excited for the new role/opportunity she gave you
4. Segway into how you are incredibly incredibly sorry, feel horrible, but that your dream opportunity has come up and you just can't not take it. You need to emphasize that you know you're going back on your word, leaving the project midway, but that you can't turn the offer down
5. Finally, close by saying you will do everything that needs to be done to ensure a smooth transition. Say that however long she needs you to find a replacement, train the replacement, get the procedures/processes in place etc. you will do. Emphasize you won't leave her hanging

Now, in the future, please don't make promises you have no intention of keeping! The statement “I'm clear that the role isn't what I want to do in the long term, and I have no intention to stay in the firm for the long term” makes me think you promised her 2 years without ever really meaning it…don't do this in the future if you can help it!

Congrats on the offer and good luck :)

Hi there, 

Sounds like a difficult conversation to have, but one that is necessary. 

From the way you describe it, it sounds like your heart is no longer in this job and this is the way I would also put it to your boss. If you lost interest and passion for what you do, that is nothing that she/he can fix. If you say something like the ‘hours are too long’, she/he will attempt to work with you and find a workaround. 

Best of luck!

Hello, 

thanks a lot for the question. :) 

First of all big congratulations for your dream offer in consulting!

I do not absolutely think that you are overthinking. This is a clear signal of the professional respect that you have toward your current boss. Something to be proud of. 

As far as I understood, your main objective is to remain in good contacts with your boss.  I can give you 3 main advices:

• Be transparent → Tell her that you just received your dream offer and it is something that you simply cannot refuse. I am sure that she will understand your ambition and motivation if she really cares about you
• Be persuasive → Explain your reasons: 1) Clarify that, even if you had the ambition to grow inside the company, recently you changed your plans, turning your interest into consulting. 2) Explain that your current position is not the right fit for you and why 3) Underline that it would be difficult to put effort doing something that it is not exactly what you are looking for
• Be kind, supportive and grateful → 1) Use the right tone and communication 2) Speak to her well in advance so that the company can reorganise itself 3) Offer yourself to help in finding the right substitute 4) Thanks her for the support and for their investment in you

To conclude, I think the last point is the most important. Please take particular care of it. 

Changing your mind is part of the game in the world. The important point is to show respect and professionalism. You are definitely doing it. 

Do not hesitate to reach out me in case of further questions! 

Good luck!

Matteo

Hi there,

There will be many situations that will be unpleasant, especially if you're generally an agreeable person and don't like conflict. 

However, you have to face these situations nonetheless. The job market is ultimately brutal for hiring managers and for job seekers.

Ian provided a great take on the situation. Be empathetic, show regret about how this unfolded, but don't let your agreeable side get the better of you. And in the future, be careful what you promise!

Best of luck!

Hello!

First of all, congrats! You got your dream job, for sure this is a happy occasion! 

None can make you comit for 2 years, so don´t worry, they will understand (eventually). 

There are many good templates from comm schools in the internet about quitting a job, I would read those and the ones of not accepting one to give you some ideas. Professional coaches on comms made them, so none will tell you better. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

I 100% agree with Ian's answer here!