Got an offer at a boutique focusing on Consumer and retail, but am not sure if I should quit my current job also in Consulting

Hi,

A friend of mine faced this exact issue recently (in architecture, not your field, but the dynamics were very similar).

Here’s how I’d recommend approaching it: Look at each concern, the likely next steps, and their implications. 

Ask yourself: what really matters to you, and what are you willing to trade off?

Option 1: Take the new offer now

Have an honest conversation with a trusted leader in your current role. Let them know you're leaving because the new role offers opportunities you genuinely want (specialization, career alignment, etc.). Make sure to emphasize how much you've valued your time here.

Possible outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Your leader understands and supports your decision → you leave on good terms, and bridges are intact.
• Outcome 2: Your leader is disappointed or cold → you still leave, because the current role can't offer what you’re looking for.

Now ask yourself: how much does the “bad look” of leaving early actually matter?

• Worst-case: You can’t return to this specific team or company - but is that even true?

  Big 4 firms are huge; re-entering through another team, office, or time is often possible.

  Are you okay with possibly annoying HR? (Important, but not career-ending.)

Option 2: Ask to defer the new offer

You tell the new company that you're keen, but want to stay longer in your current role before moving and want to join at a new later start-date.

Possible outcomes:

• Outcome 1: They say no, they need someone now → You decline the offer and you stay in your current role.
• Outcome 2: They say yes → You continue your current work and move at the agreed upon later, more comfortable point. (I mention this outcome because I recevied my mckinsey offer in Jan 22 but only started in Mar 23)

Option 3: Decline now, reapply later

You stay in your current role and reapply to the new company in a year or two, when it feels like a better time.

Possible outcomes:

• Outcome 1: You stay for a year or two, you do well in your current role, get promoted, and reapply for a more senior position at new company (and get to leave current job on better terms) and either:

1. Get rejected (possible)
2. They don’t have space anymore (also possible)
3. You get the job (yah!! and also possible)

• Outcome 2: You want to leave sooner than planned → you reapply at same position and have the same 1,2,3 options as above but maybe there is a cooling off period.

You should ask the new firm what is the cooling off period to reapply.

Final thought:

What matters most >> avoiding discomfort now, or choosing the opportunity that aligns with your future goals?

You can’t control everything, but you can make a choice based on what will matter most in the long run.

What I recommend you do regardless:

• Find a trusted leader in your cuurent firm and explain your situation.
• Email the new firm and ask 1. Cooling off reapplication period 2. Can you extend your offer to start at a later stage 

Good luck and happy to chat!

Hmm, that's a tough one indeed. 

Honestly, there's no right answer. 

And whichever way you go there's risk and reward. 

If I were you - but that's really a personal preference - and had this clarity around what I want to do long term andit being around consumer, I would then go for the boutique. 

The challenge is of course that smaller firms tend to be less stable, they have lower long term compensations and slower promotion windows. 

As I said, there's no right answer. 

If anything, have a chat with a few people who are already in the boutique and get a sense of the vibe and what they think about you leaving Big4 to work at the same firm as them.

Good luck!
Cristian

You're at a pivotal moment, and the right decision comes down to clarity on what matters most to you next.

If you're excited about the boutique role:

It offers more strategic exposure and sector alignment, both valuable for long-term growth. Leaving early isn’t ideal, but it’s not uncommon, and if handled professionally, it won’t damage your reputation. Big 4 firms understand that people grow in different directions.

If you're hesitating because of timing:

You can reach out to the boutique and ask about a later start. Many firms are flexible for the right candidate. This could give you time to wrap things up well and avoid leaving mid-cycle.

If you're unsure altogether:

It’s okay to stay longer, build your profile, and revisit the move later. Just confirm with the boutique whether they allow reapplications and what the timeline would look like.

If I were you, I would seriously consider this move.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Reflect on what truly matters to you when making this kind of decision.

From what you’ve shared, it seems security is a priority (you mentioned the probation period twice), but so is growth, both professionally and economically.

Think about the trade-offs and which side weighs more for you right now.

Happy to support you with an executive coaching session to help you reflect more deeply and reach the best decision for you. Just send me a message.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Hey there! 

Firstly, congrats on having this "problem". 

Secondly, keep in mind that this is a reversible decision. I.e., if you decide to leave your current role, given the positive feedback you have been receiving, you will very likely be able to go back, if you find out the new role is less desirable 

Thirdly, from all I can tell you have the trade-offs correctly identified. 

Lastly, I don't believe I can tell you do (a) or (b), it comes down to your priorities in the short- and medium-term in weighing these trade-offs. I am happy to be a sounding board and discussion partner. Just reach out. 

Last thing, I want to leave you with: Take the role you actually want to do not the role you want to tell your friends (or LinkedIn) about. I.e., would your view change, if you couldn't tell anyone that you switched jobs?  

Best of luck and again, please reach out, if you think chatting through this is helpful! 

-Andreas  

Hello, 

I know it is a difficult spot to be in, because I was in your shoes. Joining a boutique firm, while it sounds exciting and can turn into potentially a step towards the industry you want to work in, comes at a cost.

What you need to consider: 

1- Smaller firms require long working hours; you need to do additional tasks all the time, which makes it challenging for people coming from larger corporates. I know personally of people who have to work on weekends to deliver the scope to the client in some boutique firms.

2- Compensation needs to make sense. If it is a minor increase only, is it worth it?

3- What is your ultimate goal? Can you find a way to get to that industry directly instead?

4- What is the tenure of the consultants there, and how long on average? This can indicate the work culture.

5- What are some other positive aspects of this firm? e.g., International presence, interesting clients and accounts, etc?

You need to consider these factors and think deeply about what you want in the short and medium term to have no regrets in the future.

Best, 
Kesmat 

This is very personal.

But if you don't believe in the long term prospects provided by your current role, you should be looking for something else. Don't know if that's the one you were just offered or if it is something else.