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Becoming my own boss

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  • 06-06-2016 11:25pm
    #1
    minnow
    Registered Users Posts: 202 ✭✭


    I've worked for 15 years internationally in large multinational companies in project management & operations type roles. I am a Civil Eng by background, but never worked in that area.
    My mind is increasingly turning towards making a career change becoming my own boss. This is driven mostly by frustration with large corporation inertia and a desire to make my own decisions.
    I have been unsuccessfully trying to think of a niche area to get into which would allow me work for myself, doing consultancy etc. I feel however that my experience is too generic and I have little specialist experience, and expect that I may need to do some training to specialise.
    Does anybody have experience in making such a transition, or suggestions as to what type of roles are out there for a one-man band.


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    #2
    con1982
    Registered Users Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    You have project management experience and an understanding of construction. Maybe you could start be a freelance project manager.

    I never had my own business but the one thing that seems to be ubiquitous with a startup professional service is time it takes to build a client base and make a reasonable wage. If you can work from home there is less financial risk


    Another idea might be to move company. Lots of jobs in civil engineering these days. Would you be willing to start over?


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    #3
    minnow
    Registered Users Posts: 202 ✭✭minnow


    Moving company is definitely an option, in fact that's the default option for me over the next year or so as I plan to move home to Ireland. However, I am increasingly attracted to the idea of working for myself or with 1-2 partners in as a Consulting Engineer.
    Does anyone have experience of working in such an outfit outside of the main cities? I have noticed some small outfits in my local area that do small project management jobs (mainly residential, light commercial), BER assessments, EIAs etc. What kind of money would a partner in such a firm be earning?


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    #4
    con1982
    Registered Users Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    There isn't much payback on ber assessments. Lots of people in the market.

    If you want a small consultancy you need contacts. Tendering for local authority and state agency projects takes practice and a great deal of patience. It would be an easier transition to join an established small practice. This gives you time to adjust, build client relationships, etc. You could push for associate position after a few years.

    Ireland is still about who you know.

    Not sure what the money would be like. Design engineering isn't particularly well paid when you consider the work and knowledge required to deliver projects.


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