Which option ?

[Casablanca]

Oops

Oops old thread. Well I hoped it worked out for the OP.

[andyg]

My View - Avoid the Big4 Option

Hi,
Which of these options (in your opinion) is best for me?
I’ve been a contractor for 8years. Last year, I had my little girl - she is 9 months old now. I’m ready to return to work!
The options I have are:

1. Perm Offer from one of the big4 consulting firms - 75k
2. Contract offer of £450 pd from my previous client
3. Contract offer of 425 pd from another consultancy

Would consulting mean definitely long hours? With my background in retail banking, I will end up working for one of their retail banking clients anyway. So the culture may not be that bad? I never saw people work late in any of the 3 banks I worked! Also, We plan to move to Canada in a few years (DH is Canadian) - I thought working in a consulting firm can make this transition easier for us (secondment options etc). I’m terrified at the prospect of long hours though. DH works in an Investment bank - he works long hours. So I have to pick up DD from the nursery.

My previous client was ok. Boring place - but had a lot of flexibility on some projects.

The other consultancy - I told them I need flexibility - they are ok with it.

For what it's worth, and if I was in your position, I wouldn't pick your option #1 for the reason that they may well put you anywhere in the UK. On my last project there were a number of Deloitte perms, one based in Glasgow, one based in North London, and one Wales for a project based in Brum. Lots of travel plus staying in lonely hotels of an evening plus out eating crap food every night on crap expenses.
Your option #2 sounds good as they know you and (possibly) knew about your forthcoming (at the time) news about baby.
I remember staying away for work when my children were young and I missed out on so much. With hindsight I would have stayed local for less day rate.
Good luck as I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you and your family.
And Oh, ignore some of the complete tw*ts on this site.