Unsure about to to act / moral issues

Question

Hi everyone,

I have the following situation:

I worked in a smaller consultancy (A) until the end of April, that I wanted to leave for working in other consultancies (B and C). However there was another consultancy (D) asking me to work for them (via headhunter). As I wanted to leave consultancy A, I accepted the offer of consultancy D even though I would have had preffered working for B or C. After having started in the job at conusltancy D, B and C invited me to interviews (Mon + Fri) in two weeks, that I would like to accept.

Further information:
- current period of notice: 2 weeks
- interviews at B and C would be entirely remote (9:00 - 15:00)

Now my question:

1.) How would you handle the problem to keep the interview appointments at B and C without even having enough days to take for holiday at D?

2.) One could ask, why I did not apply earlier to consultancies B and C. That is because I worked quite close with them during that time. However, it feels uncomfortable right now being in this situation (especially over consultancy D). Is that feeling justified in your eyes? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Thanks a lot and kind regards!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Fantastic question - very well articulated.

1) Can I interview with consultancy B and C?

Yes - there's no (minimal) moral problem here. It's not ideal, but if there's a MUCH better opportunity for YOU, you need to take it. Of course, don't make this a habit!

2) How do I keep the interview appointments?

With work from home you are in a good position here. You have some options (in order of preference).

Schedule the interviews for when you're certain you have blocked time. This could be a Friday afternoon, early morning (if different timezones), during a period of the day where you know your bosses are in client meetings, etc.
Schedule a "doctor's appointment" during this time. They are legally not allowed to ask for more details/push back here. Get that period of the day blocked out, and say you have some emergency appointments.
Take a sick day. Not ideal, but if option 1 and 2 carry too much risk, this is your last option

Good luck!

Answer 2

Firms B and C may or may not happen. So its unknown and a risk nonetheless. What you have NOW is Firm D. So, make sure you dont drop the ball there while interviewing for B & C.

And my blunt advice is to "make it work". Put in the extra hours outside of the job to prepare for the interview if you cant take the holiday days. Otherwise pull off a sicky here & there without impacting your performance. You dont want to mess up B, C and D all :)!

Answer 3

Hi there,

I agree with Adi and Ian. In terms of your questions specifically:

1.) How would you handle the problem to keep the interview appointments at B and C without even having enough days to take for holiday at D?

I would align with HR of B and C and ask if they may be flexible to have interviews early morning, late afternoon or at lunch break given your particular situation. Otherwise you will have to ask for a full/half day off.

2.) One could ask, why I did not apply earlier to consultancies B and C. That is because I worked quite close with them during that time. However, it feels uncomfortable right now being in this situation (especially over consultancy D). Is that feeling justified in your eyes? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Not ideal but these things happen. If you prefer the job in B and C, go for the interview with them. Once you have offers, then you can compare with your current opportunity and make a final decision.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Hello!

You are not doing anything wrong by interviewing with the other two firms, so if it´s your preference, I would for sure go ahead and do it.

The easiest indeed would be to take holidays not to have conflicts, and prep outside the work.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara