Looking at leaving Management Consulting?

In my role I frequently meet people with a background in management consulting.

They talk of the plethora of skills that the profession gives you which are incredibly transferable. I also hear what they’ve discovered since leaving. Management consulting can be an incredibly rewarding career, but at some stage you may feel like it’s time to move on. Whether you’re thinking of making the shift for lifestyle reasons, in pursuit of a specialism, or simply because consulting wasn’t the right fit for you then you’re in luck. There are a lot of benefits that opportunities outside of management consulting can offer you. Here are the top 5 I’ve been frequently told:

1.) Remuneration

Yes, it sounds obvious and whilst people may dispute that this is a key motivator for moving roles it certainly helps right? It’s no secret that management consultants get paid a fraction of what they are invoiced out at a day. Why not take home your worth?

2.) Freedom

As a management consultant you are at the mercy of your consultancy. Their Client=Your Client. You don’t get to choose the program of work, the location you’re based in or the culture you’re subjected to. It is luck of the draw. Contracting offers you freedom to pick and choose based on your preferences.

3.) Identity

When working for a consultancy means you have to be conscious of the brand. Whilst you are asked for your input, you need to operate within the realms of the brand. You are required to use their language, frameworks, formats and fonts. There maybe things you wish to trial, tools you’d like to implement or frameworks you want to uplift but you are restricted to work within the brand. Going solo gives you the freedom to own what you do. You are your own brand and as such you can add your personal flair, tailor your approach, uplift, trail and change. And what’s more you’re free to take your achievements with you.

4.) Work/life balance

A career in consulting subjects you to the daily pressures of showing your value. You’re being charged out to Clients at a healthy day rate so they’re expecting a return. Outcomes need to be shown promptly. You’ll find yourself working around the clock to achieve some deliverables. However you could find yourself surrounded by people that are starting later or/and finishing earlier for a life outside of work. Contracting offers you the same benefits.

5.) Specialise

Which hat will you have to don today? As a management consultant you are required to pick up anything at any given time and ‘act’ as the specialist. You don’t get to choose what you contribute, there’s a gap and it needs filling - you’re the intellectual putty. Yes there is scope to broaden a range of skills but you may find yourself being drawn to and wanting to specialise in one. Branching away from the constraints of consulting and going solo puts you back in the driving seat. You get to choose your hat. Contracting empowers you to deepen your expertise and own a profession.

Do one, two or maybe even all of these resonate with you? What have your experiences in management consultancy been like? If you’re currently working for a consultancy and would like a confidential conversation about what the market can offer you please give me a call today.