Being a consultant will offer you the flexibility of time, the clients you work with and even how much you get paid. However, this does not mean it’s the best thing that you will experience as a consultant. The goal should be to define what flexibility means to you and how you can accomplish your own outcomes while achieving the client's expectations. Let’s be clear on what flexibility means in the consulting, freelancing or gig economy.

Flexibility does not mean easy

You may get a consultancy job that is time-bound and the outcome of the project needs to be brought out within a short period of time. In some instances, this may be a client who needs a report for a project to be complicated as soon as possible once the contract has been agreed upon. This may not be within your schedule if you had other clients you were working with at the same time.

There are expectations

Just because being a consultant is flexible doesn’t mean there are no expectations. When you sign a contract, a client will have certain expectations in relation to the terms of reference.

Accountability is a part of it

You will be held accountable for the work you produce - whether it’s the quality or quantity depending on what you signed up for in line with the terms of reference. You must compensate for the flexibility of the job by being responsible from the onset.

You must meet your deadlines

Even though you resigned from the 9-5 job lifestyle because of the working hours, don’t be surprised to find yourself working late nights or weekends to finish a project. In the end, all that matters is whether you met your financial goals and that can only be done when you do the work.

The important aspect of consulting is to learn how to set boundaries from the beginning. When you are offering a service the flexibility of timeframe and outcome can be discussed.