1. Know when it’s time to move on

Richard’s decision didn’t come suddenly. It began during his second partner election process, when he started questioning what his next decade should look like. Personally, constant travel was becoming incompatible with life as a parent of two young children. Professionally, his role had evolved from hands-on problem solving to leadership and oversight.

“The higher you go, the further you get from the client work that energises you,” he explained. He realised that while McKinsey offered many ways to adjust his path, the kind of change he needed required stepping outside.

A quiet but decisive moment came when he promised his father he would leave within a year. That commitment gave him accountability and a sense of direction.

2. Reflect deeply, not superficially

Richard’s first step wasn’t updating his CV; it was reflection. He spent time clarifying what kind of work, people, and environment brought out his best.

“It’s easy to say you want more balance or less travel,” he said, “but that’s not enough. You have to understand what you actually enjoy doing and where you create the most value.”

That reflection turned his decision into something positive. He wasn’t leaving to escape long hours or pressure. He was leaving to build a career that matched his strengths and life stage.

3. Turn insight into structure

To turn reflection into action, Richard created what he called his “Plan A on a Page.” It mapped the industries, company types, and roles that made sense for his skill set, with a focus on businesses undergoing change, such as M&A, leadership transitions, or rapid growth.

He then overlaid this with his network, identifying who to contact first and how to prioritise outreach. “It gave structure to something that can feel overwhelming,” he said. “You go from thinking about endless possibilities to a targeted list you can act on.”

Rich Rosser noted that this kind of focus is what separates people who gain momentum quickly from those who drift. “When you treat your search like a project, you move faster and make better decisions,” he added.

4. Use your network and be open about your search

After fifteen years at one firm, Richard wanted to test how his skills translated externally. He began by speaking with peers at other consulting firms, which helped confirm that his experience was valued.

From there, he broadened his conversations to industry contacts, being transparent that he was exploring next steps. “People were incredibly supportive,” he said. “When they realised I wasn’t pitching consulting work, they were happy to help.”

Most of his live opportunities came through those personal introductions rather than recruiters or job boards. “It’s a reminder that your network wants to help, but only if they know what you’re looking for.”

5. Treat your career pivot like a project

Rich compared a major career transition to marathon training: it demands commitment, structure, and stamina. Richard agreed. “You can’t treat it as something you do when you have time. It needs a plan and consistency.”

For those still in full-time roles, that might mean setting aside weekends or evenings. For those with formal “search time,” it means using it intentionally rather than drifting. “If you treat the transition seriously, it becomes energising rather than draining,” he said.

6. Stay flexible and explore interim paths

While pursuing long-term roles, Richard began taking on short-term advisory and freelance projects. Initially, he saw these as stopgaps, but they soon became valuable opportunities to stay active in his network and learn about new industries.

Rich observed that this path is becoming more common among ex-consultants. “Freelance work lets people test sectors, prove value, and often leads to permanent offers,” he said. For Richard, it also provided breathing room and perspective.

7. Run towards, not away

Richard’s closing message was one of intent. “Don’t leave because you’re frustrated. Leave because you’re excited about what’s next,” he said. Consulting offers many levers to improve your experience (project mix, team, travel, or role), and those should be explored before deciding to move on.

He also encouraged taking time for rest and perspective. “Go on holiday, take a course, celebrate what you’ve achieved. Start your next chapter with clarity, not fatigue.”

Rich summed it up simply: “Run towards your next chapter, not away from your current one.” That mindset, both agreed, makes the difference between leaving a firm and building a future.