You can become a Consultant?

There is an interesting development in the UK workplace that will create great opportunity for those with the foresight, initiative and confidence to take it.

Some of the major corporates' are adopting the principle of letting some staff work from home. Available technology is making this possible and the companies are starting to see the light.

This means in effect these people are working as consultants. Have you noticed how the word consultant is creeping into many job titles?

In the UK it is estimated that 20% of staff are allowed to telework. Approximately half of that for Denmark, Germany and Sweden. I don't have a figure for the US.

However another survey finds that 91% of workers polled would work from home given the choice. Which means that 71% of the workforce are having to :

* Get up every day at an unearthly hour to go to work.

* Spend time on the return journey - probably getting home late and tired.

* Don't have a good work life balance.

* Are stifled in what they do - it is estimated that home workers are 20% more productive because they are able to use their time to greater effect.

* Defer to some demanding boss and work with people they may not like.

You may be asking why this creates opportunity? Please stay with me as I try to explain.

When we are employed we basically sell our skill and knowledge. Historically we had to go to a place of work to make this transaction.

With modern technology it's perfectly sensible to make the transaction remotely from the comfort of our own home.

When I started consulting I structured my work so that I was always in my office on Friday. I used to joke with my wife that the 5 seconds home journey as I walked down the hall was less tiring than the usual Friday journey home.

What's now developing is with more employers prepared to see the advantages to them of allowing people to work from home there's also an opportunity for many workers to 'go independent' and consult. When employers and employees 'get it' there are great benefits to both.

See more here.

When I went independent I earned more, controlled my time, met nice people and enjoyed life more.

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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