(Photo courtesy of M.D. & T.J. RYAN CONTRACTING PTY LTD)
The top 3 reasons why consulting is the best job I’ve had
After 4 and a half years of owning my own consulting business, Supply Chain Safety Excellence (SCSE), I can still say this is the most rewarding and satisfying job I have ever had.
Here are my top 3 reasons why I say this.
1. The People
First and foremost, it has to be the people, the clients that SCSE and I get to partner with. I have found there are great people doing great things everyday across a broad range of organisations and industries. I get to share my knowledge and expertise with these people and I always walk away having learned something new myself. It’s a case of mutual benefit as together we are getting better at what we do.
Click here to view client Testimonials on our website (scroll down to bottom of the Home page). I have truly valued working with the people, the clients I have and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to do so. An interesting fact, the majority of SCSE clients are former colleagues from previous companies or referrals from networks, with a few exceptions “out of the blue”.
I get to meet and work with a broad spectrum of people, from CEO’s, company owners and senior leaders, to forklift operators and truck drivers. Actually, the one thing I have missed the most during these recent COVID times, is getting out in the field and interacting with people on the ground. I will be conducting my first site visit in 5 months by the time this goes to print.
2. The Variety
Secondly, it’s the variety—I have the opportunity to work with a broad range of industries and organisations across the country, in different metropolitan and regional locations. This includes many industry sectors and organisations that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to work with if I continued my employment in the corporate world. For example, I now know how various grains, sugar cane, rice, potatoes, carrots and onions are harvested and processed.
At SCSE, I have had the opportunity to work with multiple organisations and associations in the following industry sectors:
- Agribusinesses involved in grain handling, sugar production and poultry production
- Integrated construction materials and sawn timber products
- Heavy machinery, mining equipment parts, and hire equipment
- Retailers involved in quick service restaurants (QSR), integrated pet care, apparel and homewares
- Entertainment involved in audio visual and event production, gaming and a convention centre
- Transport and logistics providers, and many more.
Click here to view Our Clients on our website for a complete list (scroll down to bottom of the Services page).
At SCSE, I have had the opportunity to travel to every state and territory, and capital city in Australia. I have also had the pleasure of travelling to more regional locations such as Far North QLD as far as Townsville and Cairns, Central QLD to places like Maryborough, Rockhampton and Mackay, the Riverina and Central West of NSW, and the north of Tasmania, to name a few. And for those that know me, this has also allowed me to try out a lot of new gyms!
3. The Flexibility
Thirdly, it has to be the flexibility. Working for myself, being my own boss, means I can be flexible with work times subject to client needs. There are of course times when client workload or deadlines may mean I need to work weekends, but when that happens I still find it to be rewarding as it is my own business that is benefiting. And if I do need to work weekends that also means my consulting business is prospering, which is a good problem to have.
There are even times when I have to partner with other consultants to manage the client workload or for bigger projects, where two heads are better than one. This is my preferred model if things get too busy, as I am not seeking to expand my consulting business or employ other consultants. FYI my preferred consulting partners are the professional and experienced team at HSE Global.
As long as my business (client workload) keeps me gainfully employed and earning enough to make ends meet, I am happy and fulfilled. I can honestly say I do not see myself stepping back into a corporate gig because I enjoy consulting too much… for the reasons above.
If you need an independent review of your CoR safety and compliance by an experienced and recognised industry professional, who enjoys what they do, please get in touch.
