Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the influence of professional commitment on intention to leave a profession is contingent on the combined effect of job search and sportsmanship. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a sample of professional employees (N = 327). Moderated moderation was the approach used for testing the hypotheses. Findings Findings showed that the moderating effect of job search on the relationship between professional commitment and intention to leave a profession is higher at a low level of sportsmanship and lower when sportsmanship is high. Originality/value The research indicates that job search does not necessarily constitute a sign of acceleration of intention to leave one’s profession. In the case of professionals expressing a high level of sportsmanship, job search appears more like a precaution.