Recently, I had the chance to be on a panel of consultants at Purdue University. The three of us represented three different ways one can consult. Paul, one of my past students, is in his third year of consulting and was now a Sr. Consultant at a big firm, based out of Chicago. Greg is in a senior role with a mid-sized IT consulting firm. I have my own independent consulting business.
What we shared across the panel was evident and included:
- Being good problem solvers
- Thriving in careers that require continual growth to meet new challenges
- Getting great satisfaction in working with clients and getting them where they want to go
- Not always knowing the answers but trusting we can work with the client to find the answers
- Using proven models and processes to analyze and solve problems
- Being naturally curious
- Enjoying work that poses new challenges and offers great variety
Benefits of Independent Consulting vs. A Consulting Career
Where we diverged was equally evident and a bit startling:
- Paul and Greg had consulting careers; I have built a consulting business.
- They work a more structured schedule; I do what I feel called to do.
- They work long hours on a regular basis; I work occasional long hours and often times spend work hours doing work that is meaningful to me but not billable.
- They are accountable for a certain number of billable hours; I evaluate my time based on what I deem most important in the moment. It may be income or it may be client work, helping a friend, doing community work, or being with family.
While how I control and use my time was dramatically different, I recognize that having a consulting business paints some stark business contrasts as well:
- They get a regular paycheck; I get paid when I successfully sell and deliver work.
- They spend more time doing the work; I balance my time in both doing the work and finding the work.
- They have support around them like HR, IT, benefits, and professional colleagues. I am solo, and have to manufacture ways to get the support I need when I need it.
I felt a little weird as a described how I start each morning in an hour of meditation, about how I slowed the pace of my business to attend to my parents last days and the birth of my grandchildren, or how I picked clients as much as they picked me. When I mentioned, I pick projects that call to me rather than ones that are “assigned”. Or, how I see my work and life as integrated and not two separate elements to be “balanced” precariously – or one at the expense of the other.
Afterward, it struck me. I am in the perfect place for me. Great work. Meaningful work. Wonderful clients. A rich life. A sufficient income.
But it also struck me that it is not the place for everyone!
Explore Independent Consulting
If you want to explore if independent consulting is for you, consider joining the Prosper Consulting Community where you can get 24/7 support for your consulting questions.
Or, read Kris Taylor’s book, Owning It, to “Take Control of Your Life, Work & Career today!”
