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The Ethical Consultant

Members of the ISP-Tech list discuss the rewards and potential pitfalls of consulting, a common temptation for the technically skilled that can lead either to trouble or money.

[May 6, 2002]

On the ISP-Tech list in April, DW asked,

"Do you feel that it's wrong to do consulting on top of your regular duties?"

A number of respondents contended that there shouldn't be a problem:

[PS offered] "As long as it's not in competition with your current job, and it doesn't interfere in any way with your current duties, I don't see much wrong with it. In my environment, it's okay as long as management knows about it (just in case of future conflict) and it doesn't interfere."

[JL added] "Assuming it's during your own off hours and it's not for competitors, why not?"

[GB agreed] "If it's your time, then do with it as you choose. If you want to work an extra 10 or 20 hours a week after your duties to your employer are taken care of, then go for it."

Others suggested checking carefully for any possible conflicts:

[MM noted] "If you have a stake in the company, and you are doing consulting for personal reasons and not bringing the money to the company, then it is wrong because you are depriving the company of business. Even if you are strictly an employee, you may have a non-compete clause: check your contract to make sure you are not violating any terms that were agreed upon."

[PM added] "Depending on the type of consulting, you might get into trouble. What happens when someone you are consulting for goes down hard, and you are in the middle of your normal job? Do you go and fix the client, or do you stay at your normal job?"

[RF warned] "All I can say is, be careful. I started up my business as a tech support operation, and my wife got fired from her job as a result. She was doing software consulting focused on an accounting package: there was no way on earth that there was a conflict. Still, they didn't like it, and they fired her. We did threaten to sue her employer and successfully settled, but that requires a lot of time and legal fees."

RR recommended looking at other ways to get extra income:

"If you have real in-depth knowledge, you might try to get a book deal. Most tech books can nicely supplement your income. It's not hard to get a tech book deal as long as you have something to write about that isn't common knowledge. It could even lead to a monthly column in a magazine."

— End