'Permanent position, interim management or consultancy?'

In recent years the market for specialists within HR has changed dramatically and has opened a number of choices for those looking at both their short and long term futures.

So here are the facts: 

• Permanent positions - they still offer at a senior level some of the best opportunities within HR and Global Mobility and, increasingly these roles are becoming part of the main 'board'. Of course there is greater stability attached to these roles and with current remuneration packages in this area, can be highly lucrative.
• Interim management - gives a huge amount of flexibility but the work is not guaranteed. Many interim managers enjoy the breadth of industries and work that they do and the fact that they are free of office politics. Of course for many the financial rewards are the main motivating factor. Assignments are often 3, 6, 9 or 12 months in duration.
• Consultancy - although this is similar to interim management there are subtle differences. Consultants tend to work on very specific short term projects and often work on two or three at a time. Fees tend to be higher but the work tends to be very irregular. Consultancy often suits those with very specific skills that are in short supply within the market.
  

Issues to consider: 

• What is your ultimate goal? This will help you to determine the path you take.
• What have you got to offer?
• If you are considering Interim Management or Consultancy then you need to be financial stable as initially your daily rates will be less as you will be regarded as 'unproven'.
• You need to be the kind of character that can 'deal' with the uncertain nature of interim as the move from assignment to assignment is rarely seamless.
• Can you 'hit the ground running'? Clients expect you to be effective from day one and that you will manage your own learning curve.
• Do you have the backing of your family to do interim as the uncertain nature of it can have an effect on them as well.