Let’s say you’ve been in the job market for a while, and you’re thinking of doing some consulting work while you look for the right position. This is a pretty common situation, and for many people, consulting can be a great option. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.
Decide what type of consulting service you could provide and what the demand is for your skills. Talk to some people who are working as consultants. You can find out what a workday is like, what they enjoy about this type of work and what they find to be the challenges of consulting. Informational interviews are a great way to get some insider information about a career path you’re considering.
Consulting work can provide a way for you to work with a variety of companies and increase your skills and industry knowledge, and it can lead to full-time employment. Often, someone starts as a consultant and later is hired. Companies have different policies for consultants and generally do not offer sick time, retirement savings or health-care benefits.
If you thrive in an office setting and get energized by being around people, joining an established consulting firm might be a better match for you than going it alone.
Juggling multiple clients can create a time-management issue, and instead of reporting to one boss you may have multiple bosses who make demands on your time.
If you plan to keep looking for a full-time position, there are ways to make your consulting work in your favor. The consulting on your resume can catch an employer’s attention if you name projects you have worked on, and include roles you played and the results of your work. The more you present your consulting as partnering with a client, the better.
Consulting also can be a great way to expand your network, particularly if travel is involved.
