Introduction
For many people leaving the Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force, securing a permanent job is not the only route into civilian employment. An increasingly popular option is working as a consultant or contractor, using the skills and experience developed during military service to provide specialist expertise to organisations on a daily or hourly basis.
Consultancy can offer an attractive combination of flexibility, variety and, in some cases, higher earning potential. However, it also brings additional responsibilities and risks that are not associated with permanent employment.
This article provides a basic introduction to consultancy careers after the military. It is intended to help service leavers understand how consultancy works, the advantages and disadvantages, and whether it might be a suitable career option. It is not intended to be an in-depth guide, and anyone considering becoming a consultant should carry out further research and seek professional financial or legal advice before making any decisions.
What Is a Consultant?
A consultant is someone who uses their specialist knowledge, skills or experience to help organisations solve problems, improve performance or deliver specific projects.
Unlike permanent employees, consultants are normally engaged for a defined period or to complete a particular piece of work. Rather than receiving a salary, they usually charge an agreed hourly or daily rate.
Many consultants operate their own small business, often consisting of just one person, giving them complete control over the work they undertake and the clients they support.
Consultant or Contractor, Is There a Difference?
The terms consultant and contractor are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences.
A contractor is generally recruited to carry out a specific role or deliver a defined piece of work over an agreed period.
A consultant is typically engaged because of their specialist knowledge or expertise, providing advice, guidance or solutions to help an organisation achieve its objectives.
In reality, many ex-military professionals perform elements of both roles throughout their careers.
Why Consultancy Appeals to Ex-Military Personnel
Military service develops a wide range of transferable skills that organisations are prepared to pay for.
Examples include:
- Project Management
- Engineering
- Health and Safety
- Cyber Security
- Information Technology
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Training and Instruction
- Procurement
- Leadership and Change Management
- Operational Planning
Many employers value the structured approach, professionalism and practical experience that veterans bring to complex projects.
Advantages of Becoming a Consultant
For many service leavers, consultancy offers several attractive benefits.
Greater Earning Potential
Experienced consultants often command higher daily rates than the equivalent permanent salary. This reflects the specialist expertise they provide and the temporary nature of their work.
Variety of Work
Consultants frequently work with different organisations, industries and projects throughout the year. This variety can make the work interesting and provide continuous professional development.
Flexibility
Many consultants have greater control over:
- The contracts they accept
- Where they work
- When they work
- The amount of time they take between assignments
This flexibility can provide an improved work-life balance for some individuals.
Professional Independence
Running your own consultancy business allows you to make your own decisions, develop your own client base and build your own professional reputation.
For many former military personnel, this level of independence is particularly rewarding.
Disadvantages of Consultancy
Consultancy is not without its challenges.
No Guaranteed Income
Unlike permanent employment, consultants are not paid when they are between contracts.
There may be periods where work is limited, making financial planning extremely important.
Finding Your Next Contract
Consultants are responsible for securing future work.
This often involves:
- Networking
- Maintaining professional relationships
- Marketing yourself
- Keeping your CV and LinkedIn profile up to date
Successful consultants understand that business development forms part of the job.
Managing Your Own Business
Running a consultancy involves responsibilities beyond delivering work.
These may include:
- Bookkeeping
- Invoicing
- Tax returns
- Insurance
- Professional indemnity cover
- General
- General business administration
Some consultants employ accountants to assist with these responsibilities.
Continuous Professional Development
Consultants must ensure their knowledge and qualifications remain current.
Keeping up to date with legislation, industry standards and new technologies is essential if you wish to remain competitive.
Understanding IR35
Anyone considering consultancy or contracting should be aware of IR35, the UK tax legislation that affects how some contractors are taxed.
Whether IR35 applies depends on several factors, including the nature of the contract and the working relationship with the client.
Because the rules can be complex and change over time, it is important to seek professional financial advice before accepting consultancy work.
Choosing the Right Business Structure
Many consultants operate through:
- A limited company
- An umbrella company
- Sole trader status, where appropriate
Each option has different tax, legal and administrative implications. Professional advice should always be obtained to determine the most suitable arrangement.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Consultant
Before pursuing consultancy, it is worth asking yourself:
- Am I comfortable without a guaranteed monthly salary?
- Do I enjoy meeting new clients and building professional relationships?
- Am I prepared to market my own skills and experience?
- Can I manage my own finances and business administration?
- Do I possess specialist knowledge that organisations are willing to pay for?
- Would I enjoy working on different projects and changing environments?
Being honest with yourself when answering these questions will help determine whether consultancy is the right career path.
Is Consultancy Right for You?
For many ex-military professionals, consultancy offers an exciting and rewarding career. It provides opportunities to apply years of military experience while enjoying greater flexibility and independence.
However, consultancy is not suitable for everyone. Some individuals prefer the stability, security and employee benefits associated with permanent employment.
Neither option is better than the other. The right choice depends on your personal circumstances, career ambitions and appetite for managing your own business.
Summary
Working as a consultant after leaving the Armed Forces can be a highly rewarding career choice for those with specialist skills and the confidence to operate independently.
Whether supporting defence organisations, engineering companies, government departments or commercial businesses, consultants play an important role in delivering expertise where it is needed most.
Before making the move into consultancy, take time to understand how the sector operates, research your options thoroughly and seek professional advice where appropriate.
At CivvyJobs.com, we help military service leavers explore the wide range of civilian career opportunities available after service. Whether you are looking for permanent employment, contract work or consultancy opportunities, understanding your options is the first step towards a successful transition.
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