Making the Leap from Manufacturing Manager to Consultant, Part 2

The money can be good, but the travel is brutal

Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series. To read part one, “Making the Leap from Manufacturing Manager to Consultant,” click here.

Before launching a career in consulting, consider the time away from family and other sacrifices that have to be made, but also consider the potential rewards. Some people do it because they’re ready for a new challenge. Some have an insatiable itch to be their own boss. Some do it because they’ve flat-out had it with their current employer.

And some do it because they simply need work.

Regardless of the circumstances that motivate manufacturing managers and executives to test the waters of consulting, there are plenty of pros and cons to weigh before jumping in head-first.

That’s why Doug Gates, a partner in KPMG LLP’s aerospace and defense practice, recommends talking with practicing consultants to get a sense of what it’s like.

“The travel is brutal, even as a partner,” Gates says. “You’re on the road two to three days a week at minimum. Sometimes five days a week.”

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Comments on Managing vs consulting articule

I couldn't wait to comment this articule, just because 3 weeks ago I quit my job as manufacturing manager in a multinational manufacturer for medical devices to start working in the consulting business (focused on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma ). After 14 years of experience working in different multinational manufacturers of textiles, electronics, automotive and medical devices, having different roles such as Manufacturing Engineer, Project Manager, Manufacturing Manager, I decided to make my move.

I think this is a matter of what you enjoy to do. There are many risks involved , specially when having a family to support (in may case I have 2 kids and a wife) but this is a challenge that I had to take. In these last 3 weeks, I have initiated a partnership with a new consulting firm in the Dominican Republic, I have met some customers , have made some little consulting jobs and have provided some in site trainings for middle size companies . This have been really exciting to me , the fact of having to expand my professional networking and having total control over my time it have been like a fresh begining. Let's see what happens next.