Consulting Career
What should I consider before living outside my consulting office city?
I would like to join a London consulting office, but my partner cannot relocate. I am considering staying in our current UK city and travelling to clients or London when needed. Apart from getting the arrangement agreed, what practical problems should I think through?
Ian’s Answer
It is feasible, but it increases your chance of burnout.
Logistically, it may become a bit of a headache. For example, if you have a project in mainland Europe, you'll have to fly there. Are you close enough to London to make that weekly flight work? Can you fly direct from your location? Secondly, if you're staffed on a London project, can you commute in/out each day? (Accepting that this could be at 10pm, 11pm, etc.). If you can't commute, are you ok with renting a room on your own dime for that night or the whole week?
Just make sure you understand that this is a hard job even in the best of times. This will cause a lot of strain.
I'd also like to point out this personal point not to be overlooked: If your partner isn't going to be ok with being alone Mon-Thurs you have to understand the strain this will put on your relationship...whether you're physically home or not Mon-Thurs, you're going to be quite tired and not always mentally present.
Just be careful and think through what this really means in reality!