Ind or Consulting

Hello All,

I have been in consulting a few years now and have progressed to Manager.

I enjoy what I do and the people I work with but rewards don't seem to match the amount of travel and the stress. Having said that I think I am paid market rate for a Mgr.

I was looking at returning to Industry and have just been offered a role with a blue chip at a package about 40% greater. I worry in a few years I will be bored in Industry but I think it will be better life balance and for my health.

At the moment consulting feels more like a career but it will be a lot of work and reward many not follow.

It feels like this is a big call in my life and anyone I talk to have a biased view point.

Any thoughts or comment welcome.

I think that it is worth giving industry a try - esp given the package that you have been offered: there will always be demand in consulting firms, and, with consulting experience, it's highly likely that you'd be attractive with a bit of industry experience behind you. The most imp thing is to make sure that the organisation that you're joining has opportunities for career progression and development and is fairly dynamic - if it is. there's no reason for you to be bored. The larger the org, the more likely you'll be able to be able to move around and do diff stuff.

Having said that, I have always struggled to convince myself that industry would offer the same opportunities - I struggle to find a job in industry as consulting experience doesn't seem to be well valued - if you have an opportunity, I think you should take it, leave your current employer on good terms, and then you could always return if you find it's not for you.