Because of downsizing and outsourcing activities that have traditionally been conducted internally, companies are creating an unprecedented need for consultants. After all, the corporate workload doesn't diminish even when the number of employees left to deal with it does. This situation creates attractive credible career opportunities for many individuals. Starting a consulting practice typically requires minimal capital investment and, as a result, often involves less up-front financial risk than other entrepreneurial activities.
Consultants can control their own time and destiny.
There is no mandatory or traditional retirement age for a consultant, and under the right circumstances, consulting can provide a handsome annual income. Finally, a consulting career enables people to employ the skills they have developed throughout their business lives. However, there are also potential disadvantages to life as a consultant. Since anyone can call him- or herself a consultant, competition can be intense. Except in the largest consulting firms, the perks and benefits common to corporate life are rare.