No company benefit. Possible additional travel or commute time. You may find different scenarios at different client sites. Your own attitude will determine what you can bring out of each consulting assignment. Understanding the benefits and challenges of consulting will enable you to make the decision to become a professional consultant.
Many people assume that they can secure a consulting assignment with a large company on their own.
This happens on occasion, but in most cases, having a relationship with a good consulting firm will allow you a better chance of obtaining an assignment. Many companies have guidelines mandating their usage of consulting firms. Consulting firms can offer you information about the environment of a certain site. They know the managers, the technologies, the working atmosphere and what to expect from an interview at the client site before you ever make initial contact. Use the consulting firm as a resource to answer questions you may have about travel, working hours, flex time or other specific issues that may make one position or another more appealing.