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Originally Posted by Scanner
Isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? You can always find work but there isn't much security?
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No. If I quit my job today, I will be employed next week as a management consultant. That's pretty much a guarantee.
What's not guaranteed is job security once you get in. They have such high turnovers that it's a revolving door. Most of the work will be on a contractual basis so there may not be a renewal after expiration.
There are companies who will hire full time consultants and move them through different contracts. These companies offer better stability.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scanner
You know the old joke about a consultant?
What do you call an unemployed man with a business suit and briefcase?
A consultant.
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I've heard a lot of jokes about consultants and such, but just like any other profession (doctors, lawyers, therapist, personal trainer), it depends on the person.
Some of my previous co-workers had some seriously rare skills. Those guys have a very secure job because most people don't have that kind of on-the-job legal training. Most people don't even understand the budgeting and accounting process.
It's pointless to argue which job is better than which. It's all relative to what you can do. If you don't understand management and financial accounting then you need to do what you understand and can do well. The only caveat is that people always think they know everything, until they have a problem.
I think the job fits me because I have always been able to draw a clear demarcation between what I do know and what I don't know. What I do know I know very well. What I don't know is usually the technical aspect of the business, but I do try to educate myself at least on the functional level.
For example, the client would ask "we have $500 billion and 5 years to do X. Where do we start?" We would then analyse their goals, how they current exist, formulate a strategy, sequence out the work, provide backup plans, etc.
I think in order to be a good consultant, your brain needs to understand processes really well and be able to formulate the optimal solution on the fly. It's like playing chess. You anticipate what may happen next and you prepare instead of react. Most people discount it, but foresight is not something you can teach easily. It requires intuition and experience.
In a sense we are all "consultants". You have to make the best decision with what you have. I know a lot of people use the term loosely but I am referring to traditional management consulting at the executive level.
That's a glimpse for you. If your mind thinks like that then it's a good career. If not then there are plenty to choose from.