Consulting Because You See No Other Choice
By: Dr. Chris Downs
(c) 2008 Dr. Chris Downs, All Rights Reserved. Staircase into an apartment, Buenos Aires, Argentina
This is the last in a series of blogs focused on why people open consulting practices.
#6 – Consulting Because You See No Other Choice
Many individuals open consulting businesses because they believe they have run out of options. There are many reasons why talented, smart adults reach this conclusion. Here are some of those reasons:
Age
Historically, older adults in the workplace struggle when competing for jobs with younger adults.
“Time after time I applied to every job opening I could find. I had several interviews, but never got an offer. Ten years ago, when I was 48, I think I would have beaten the competition for those types of jobs. Now, it just seems like employers don’t want somebody my age. What else can I do but use the knowledge and skills I have as a consultant?”
Perceived over-qualification
Your talents and abilities may have helped you accumulate an impressive dossier of achievements. But some prospective employers may fear that you’ll cost too much or might be lured away by competitors.
“I had job prospects telling me I was ‘overqualified’ for their jobs available. I told them to take advantage of me, but they still wouldn’t hire me. I decided to offer my ‘overqualifications’ to clients as a consultant. So far, it’s worked out well.”
Disability
A variety of disabilities may limit a person’s success in some workplace environments making the choice of consulting more attractive.
“I was in a bad car accident two years ago, leaving me without the use of my legs. My employer asked me to take a severance package because I couldn’t do my old job and there really wasn’t anything else I could do there. I took it and now I work from home as a consultant in the same industry. I know I can make this work.”
Life Limitation
The twists and turns of life sometimes make consulting an obvious choice, especially when one finds it necessary to work from home.
“I’m 51 and my 73-year-old Mom is so riddled with arthritis, she struggles to dress and feed herself anymore. We agreed that it was best for her to live in my home, and I’d care for her. I quit my regular job, figured out what I was good at, set up my home office, and opened my consulting business. So far so good.”
Gender, Race, Gender Identify, or Sexual Orientation
Discrimination based on gender, race, gender identity and sexual orientation has a long and ugly history. Some highly-qualified individuals decide to put their knowledge and talents into a solo consulting career.
“I’ve struggled to find a job in my field. I think it’s because I’m black and a lesbian. After two years of frustration in trying to land my ‘dream job,’ I realized I’d become an expert on hiring discrimination. I opened a diversity consulting business aimed at Human Resource Departments at various size companies. Now, I deliver in-person and virtual trainings on hiring discrimination to more clients than I can handle.” ”
Bleak outlook
Sometimes a person grows despondent trying to locate employment or so disillusioned with their present job that life starts to have less meaning. Some turn to an independent consulting practice as a result.
“I wavered between deep sadness and extreme anger in that last job. But it wasn’t any different than others I knew of in my city. I came close to giving up completely and resigning myself to a life of poverty. Then a friend suggested I get some counseling. In therapy, I got stronger and realized that I might be happier as a consultant in my field. It’s a struggle, but I make a living now and don’t sink as fast into depression or anger.”
In this last example, it’s important to emphasize that this woman’s friend suggested counseling for what looked like clinical depression. That’s essential anytime we experience sustained sadness or extreme anger. After getting help, she was able to open a successful consulting business. While she made her share of blunders, her company was viable the last time I checked.
Do you know of other reasons why someone concludes they are out of options and must turn to consulting as a last resort? In “Solo Consulting: Insider Tips for Success”, I provide a great deal more on reasons why people go into consulting. You can learn more here.
© 2024 Dr. Chris Downs. All Rights Reserved.
Notice: This blog wholly reflects the views and suggestions of Dr. Chris Downs. Readers’ use of his views or suggestions are wholly the responsibility of the reader as reflected by their actions, reactions thoughts, statements, and behaviors. Dr. Downs accepts no responsibility for readers’ use of his words. Further, this blog contains no intentional or structured therapeutic intent nor is the content designed to harm or improve the psychological state of the reader. Readers are responsible for their own reactions to and/or use of any and all suggestions or advice.