How is the job market now for those in consulting for 11+ years?

I was last employed with a firm in 2024. Got laid off. Tried to find a job but ended up doing contract work independently since then. Looking to go back into a full time role but not sure where to start.

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

How come you’re not looking to continue independent?

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Several reasons:
1. I don’t want to have to hunt for work, I prefer more certainty
2. I enjoy contract work but then when I pay taxes quarterly I don’t.
3. Yes you can expense things but I am still paying for those expenses.
4. My rate is not super high as I’m not MBB or specialized
5. It’s still consulting work at the end of the day and I don’t get to make decisions, just help the company make them. I want to own something.
6. To EY’s point, I was out of work for a few months in 2024 so lost some $ there and also in between contracts in 2025. I don’t get paid for bench time.

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Same camp as OP. Contracts are hard to come by these days; we are not being paid on the bench. Plus rates are down with the middle men taking a sizeable %. General dynamic of this market. More cons than pros for ICs now unless if you are in a niche space and on a long term contract with a good rate.

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Targetting $150+/ hour on C2C and work 10 months out of a year. but seeing less and it takes longer to find a good gig these days.

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I am full time but want to do contract work. Where did you find these contract roles?

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What field of work do you currently work in?

How’d you get into contract work? Full time?

Yes it’s 40 hours per week. Lots of organizations exist that can help you find it. Tons of independent consultants out there.

Any advice on going independent? Where and how have you found those kinds of opportunities?

If you have a strong niche and offerings and decent client relationships you can definitely do this. I’ve partnered with people who have client relationships and need contractors.

There are many contract opportunities but they take time to find. I got lucky. I am not MBB and not super specialized so I don’t charge too much per hour. I’m not minting money but not doing too bad. I want to go back to work where I have benefits and bonus also and more to do.

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Hi Fishes,

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Hi all, i was fired today because i said the truth!! Isn’t that interesting?

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Hello Fishes,

Capgemini has following openings for 4+ years experienced candidates.
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