[slow&rusty]

I worked as an Engineering consultant for 10 years and at one time had over 35 people reporting to me and ran a successful office in Houston.

Here's my summary, for what its worth:

1) Clients are demanding, because you're labelled "over-priced consultants" and can treat you like a door mat. In this day and age with smart phones and technology they typically expect an instant answer even if its 10pm on a Sunday. You have to have thick skin to be successful as a consultant and it takes a very special personality to be successful - strong personality with great technical depth and strength .

2) Lots of people want to be in consulting because the money is good, but are not really a good fit (see above).

3) Clients typically pay you late and you have to hound them constantly

4) You have to manage your budget fastidiously, its easy to make a 20% margin but by the time the project is completed that can easily fall to less than 10% due to overtime hours or project over runs.

5) Document...document..document...especially scope changes or change orders.

6) Have a good attorney

7) I made my boss a rich man!