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Is the Consulting Lifestyle Right for You?
Consider these impacts on yourself and your family’s lifestyle before you leap into self-employment.
Anyone who’s considering becoming a self-employed independent consultant or other freelancer must first consider numerous issues. Consulting or contracting isn’t just regular employment without a boss — it’s significantly different from a traditional corporate position, and it’s not for everyone. It affects both you and your family in many ways. Carefully think through the implications before you make the move.
Why Become a Consultant?
The fundamental question is: Why do this? What inspires someone to walk away from the security of a salaried job to the uncertain world of self-employment?
The answer varies with the individual. Some want the potential of more income or more control over their professional lives. Perhaps they’re seeking a challenging world of untapped potential. Others are escaping from a bad corporate position. Still others are forced into the choice by a layoff. Examine your motives carefully.
I got started by becoming an internal consulting resource for my corporate employer and also getting more invitations for training or consulting from people who had read my writing or…
