Consulting is often compared to banking, but it offers a more balanced lifestyle. As a consultant, you have much more control over your workflow and you only have one client, so you can focus all your attention on the problem at hand. This makes it possible to achieve a good work-life balance, although it may not always be easy to manage. In recent years, consultancies have implemented policies that give consultants the opportunity to take time off and relax.
This has resulted in consultants with longer tenures working fewer overtime hours, as they become more familiar with their environment. Companies may also choose to emphasize local and regional staffing, which could reduce work-life conflicts. Some consultancies have encouraged teams to implement a “one night a week off” policy that allows consultants time for personal interests or to rest. In strategy consultancies, 100% of consultants say they work overtime, with an average of 20 overtime hours per week.
Male consultants in positions of responsibility work longer, averaging 9.9 and 12.4 hours. To improve work-life balance, it is important to take advantage of the policies offered by consultancies and field offices. It is also beneficial to seek advice from experienced consultants around the world and to make use of global staffing models that assign consultants to distant projects. By doing this, you can ensure that you are able to manage your workload and still have time for yourself.
