Ask HN: What are the downsides of working for a consultancy?

#1

Post by thisiswrongggg » Sat, Nov 05, 2022, 12:54 PM UTC

I have an offer from a consultancy for projects in EU public sector. The salary increase is not bad and the title is a move up (I think). I'm getting to an architect role up from Senior Dev. WLB will be a bit worse though. I'm currently in a known product company in Telecoms sector.I'm in my 40s and have worked mostly as a SW dev up to now. The new role won't be hands-on as the roles I had so far (so I'd be very interested to read experiences from people that did a similar move).

Is that a good move professionally? Does it make sense? What are the downsides of moving from a regular product company to a consultancy? Would such a move increase my future prospects or narrow them? I need to be in business in some way or another for at least another 20 years.

No significant connections or network. I mean I won't be able to move to a high power/salary position to which this role would be a good stepping stone. Just me with my abilities have to be marketable for a good few years to come.

Thanks

Re: Ask HN: What are the downsides of working for a consultancy?

#2

Post by Emigre_ » Sat, Nov 05, 2022, 1:09 PM UTC

I would avoid it, but you could very well be happy, depending on the people involved and the characteristics of the project. I doubt this is a question that can be answered in a general way.

To me, personally, consultancy potentially means low standards, which I’d like to avoid. Public sector also sounds tricky - again, personally. But it’s hard to say… you have all the facts, the choice will affect your life, the choice is ultimately yours only. I hope it all works out for you either way. :)

Re: Ask HN: What are the downsides of working for a consultancy?

#3

Post by Emigre_ » Sat, Nov 05, 2022, 1:10 PM UTC

Emigre_ wrote: post #2

I would avoid it, but you could very well be happy, depending on the people involved and the characteristics of the project. I doubt this is a question that can be answered in a general way. To me, personally, consultancy potentially means low standards, which I’d like to avoid. Public sector also sounds tricky - again, personally. But it’s hard to say… you have all the facts, the choice will affect your life, the ch…

Sorry as my answer was vague and you are asking concrete questions.

Re: Ask HN: What are the downsides of working for a consultancy?

#4

Post by thisiswrongggg » Sat, Nov 05, 2022, 3:31 PM UTC

Emigre_ wrote: post #3

Emigre_ wrote: post #2

I would avoid it, but you could very well be happy, depending on the people involved and the characteristics of the project. I doubt this is a question that can be answered in a general way. To me, personally, consultancy potentially means low standards, which I’d like to avoid. Public sector also sounds tricky - again, personally. But it’s hard to say… you have all the facts, the choice will affect your life, the ch…

Sorry as my answer was vague and you are asking concrete questions.

No worries. Thanks a mil for taking the time to answer.

Best