Feeling stuck in your early career but worried about the risks of a complete job change? You're not alone.
Many young professionals reach a point where they crave new challenges or industries but hesitate to abandon their current path entirely. Independent consulting offers a refreshing alternative - a way to explore new sectors, develop diverse skills, and test different roles without committing to a permanent career shift.
Just ask Krishore, who pivoted from traditional employment at a strategy consulting firm when he realised he needed to explore other options. "I reached a point where I felt I needed to go back to the drawing board and see what else was out there," he explains. His journey into independent consulting opened doors to media, food and beverage, and publishing projects - experience he couldn't have gained by staying in one lane.
Before diving into independent consulting, preparation makes all the difference. When Krishore started his first contract, he didn't leave his development to chance. "I thought about what I wanted to get out of this learning opportunity," he shares. "If I were to write my CV at the end of it, what would be those extra bullet points?
This forward-thinking approach means identifying specific skills and exposure you want to gain, then actively communicating these development areas to your clients. Surprisingly, most organisations are receptive to helping consultants grow, even in temporary roles. "Everyone has been so open to help with my development," Krishore notes. "It helps them too - they have a channel to give feedback, and you'll do better work for them."
The key difference from permanent roles? You must own your growth journey. In traditional employment, structured development programmes guide your progression. As an independent, you create that framework yourself. No one will check whether you're developing the right skills or building relevant experience - that responsibility sits squarely with you.
Transitioning to independent consulting requires careful planning, especially regarding financial stability. "Having a savings buffer of six to twelve months of living expenses is really important," Krishore advises. This cushion gives you breathing room between contracts and reduces pressure to accept unsuitable opportunities.
Many professionals worry about payment security when going independent. Minimise this risk by working with reputable agencies or platforms offering secured payments. Krishore initially questioned whether Outsized was legitimate when they first contacted him, but research confirmed their credibility. Clear contracts with defined scope, deliverables and payment schedules provide additional protection.
Location bias can present another challenge. If you're targeting opportunities in different regions, focus on building a compelling value proposition that transcends geography. "You need to clearly articulate why you're the best fit for the role and highlight how your unique skills add value," suggests Krishore. Strengthening your network through direct outreach and leveraging international freelancing platforms also helps overcome regional barriers.
Before committing to any project, conduct thorough due diligence. Verify client credibility, review past engagements, and clarify expectations upfront. This preparation helps you avoid mismatches between what's promised and the actual work.
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Once established as an independent consultant, your professional growth accelerates through exposure to diverse environments. Regular self-reflection becomes essential - consistently evaluate your learning and identify improvement areas after each engagement.
Independent consultants apply expertise across industries, developing versatility that permanent employees rarely achieve. "My first contract was media-related, giving me a crash course in that space. My second involved consolidating packaging formats for a food and beverage company. Now my third project is about consolidation within media - I'm picking up skills that connect in unexpected ways," Krishore explains.
The flexibility between contracts creates unique development opportunities. Krishore used his time between projects to pursue certifications and complementary work he genuinely enjoyed, like surf coaching and bartending. "You get to try other things and open up your skills. I did a life guard course and got a liquor license - you gain more knowledge and experience."
Finding this balance between client work and continuous learning requires intentional planning. Unlike traditional employment with designated training days, independents must allocate specific time for upskilling, networking and development activities.
Let's tackle the two biggest misconceptions that keep early-career professionals from exploring independent consulting:
"There's no guarantee in both sides whether you're a full-time worker or an independent contractor," Krishore points out. Traditional employment isn't as secure as many believe - organisational priorities change, redundancies happen, and entire departments restructure.
Strategic independent consultants create stability through deliberate planning. "When working on a six-month contract, I'd dedicate the first few months to delivering great work and the last couple to networking and finding my next project," shares Krishore. This proactive approach, combined with financial buffers and multiple income streams, creates sustainable independence.
While industry expertise helps, early-career professionals can thrive by demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and a proactive learning mindset. "I initially worked in traditional employment but wanted to explore a new industry," Krishore recalls. "Independent consulting offered me that flexibility and exposure to different things."
Platforms like Outsized actively connect junior professionals with opportunities across various sectors, including recruitment, marketing, actuarial science and data analytics. These roles provide valuable experience while letting you test different career paths without long-term commitment.
Taking the first step
Independent consulting offers early-career professionals a powerful way to pivot, gain diverse experience and discover their true strengths without abandoning their professional progress. The flexibility to explore multiple industries, develop versatile skills, and work with various clients creates an accelerated learning environment that permanent roles rarely match.
For professionals feeling stuck or uncertain about their path, consulting independently provides space to experiment while building marketable expertise. As Krishore's experience demonstrates, what begins as exploration often evolves into a fulfilling career approach that combines stability with continuous growth.
Ready to explore how independent consulting could advance your career? Check out current opportunities at Outsized for early-career professionals across various regions and sectors.