The Life of A Consultant
I totally did something I swore I’d never do when I started my consulting firm….I knowingly over-committed myself.
.
The work is good and interesting work for a new client who I’ve only ever dreamed of working for.
But, I simply don’t have time to do it. I’m currently working more then I want to – 5 days per week, not my ideal 3 or 4 days per week. (As an independent consultant the rule of thumb is to take the work when it’s available because you never know when/if the next project will come, which often results in an unbalanced workload).
So when I was asked to work on this project I instantly wanted to say yes. So, I gave the client a project timeline that met my availability – meaning I’d do the work part time over the next 6 months. 6 months was an aggressive timeline, but I was confident I could do it and it would be a win-win.
Unfortunately they need the work done immediately, within 1 month. It’s essentially a more then full-time project, and I also have all my other on-going projects with deadlines I’ve already committed to.
So, Mr. MPB and I started talking about what to do – he knew how much I wanted the opportunity to build a relationship with this potential client. But the conundrum was pretty obvious – a dream client, with an unbearable, nearly impossible timeline. We talked it through and made a few decisions, which are necessary for me to take on the new client:
- I had to find a qualified partner to help do the work with me.
- Due to the condensed timeline of the project, my rate is going up. Way up!
- Mr. MPB will take on more of the household stuff during the next month. This is necessary to make sure I meet my work deadlines for my current projects and this new client, and so that I still am able to spend some down time with Little MPB and Mr. MPB.
It has been a few days since this all happened and I can now confirm that I have a partner, my increased rate has been accepted and Mr. MPB and I are committed to making this work. So, I am now committed to being INSANELY busy for the next month.
Looking at my calendar is officially intimidating.
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My Perfect Breakdown 
I don’t know about you, but I find the more I have on my plate, the more productive I actually am… although there is a limit to anyone’s productivity. Good luck, I have complete faith in you!
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I am totally like this!! But, I think this additional contract is going to be pushing the limit. But, I also really want to do it, so I have to find a way to make it work.
And thanks for the faith, in about 3 weeks time can you remind me of this? 🙂
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That’s exciting! So good that you and Mr MPB can work as such a good team so you can both follow your passions and function as a family. Good luck this month!
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Thank you so much Amy! I do hope that as much as we’ve agreed for me to do this project we are able to function well. I’m sure there will be some tough days.
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Congrats on landing that dream client!
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Thank you!! It’s almost funny, it’s the kind of client I’ve talked about wanting for years. And then all of the sudden they called me out of the blue. Absolutely no effort on my behalf, which is pretty darn great. 🙂
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Good luck! Pretty cool to work for your dream client (even if it’s a crazy work load)! Thank goodness for Mr. MPB, right?!
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Oh gosh, I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for Mr. MPB!! 🙂
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Exciting! And terrifying! I understand the need to overcommit sometimes and just do a shit ton of work. Here’s hoping it pays off tremendously and in a month’s time you can take a well-deserved break.
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Yes, exciting and terrifying!! Funny enough we have a vacation coming up, so now that will be our reward for surviving the next month. 🙂
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Glad that this is working for you and I do hope the next several weeks are manageable. And how cool is it that Mr MPB is on board to support you! You got this!
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I don’t think I could do much in life without Mr. MPB’s support – he’s pretty darn amazing (although I may be biased).
Thanks for your support!! I’m sure in about 3 weeks time I’m going to need it again when I’m loosing my mind with stress.
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Great problem solving! Good luck getting everything done over the next month. 🙂
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Thanks so much!!
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Wow! good luck! Am happy you get to work with a client you always wanted to work for! And look at you, expanding, hiring an “employee” 🙂
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Thanks Mamalife! I’m excited, and slightly terrified of the work I’m committed to right now. But hiring someone was the only way I could do it. Hopefully it goes well! 🙂
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Simultaneous CONGRATULATIONS! And GOOD LUCK!
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Thank you!! I think I definitely need some good luck to get through the next month! 🙂
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Ooooh congrats on getting your dream client and stepping up to the challenge! Sounds like it’s going to be tough but rewarding! Whoop whoop!
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Congratulations on the new client/ project and best of luck. Prayerfully this goes a lit smoother than anticipated.
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Congratulations on the Dream Client! That’s awesome! I’m glad you were able to find a partner to help you with the work also. Enjoy the free time you do have and don’t forget to sleep so that you don’t get sick by the end of the month! (I know, I sound like a Mother Hen…sorry!)
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You clearly know me and my sleep troubles!!
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