Sub Consulting

[SteelPE]

Currently I am a self employed engineer and have been in this situation for 5+ years. I have spent the last 5+ years building relationships with clients which wasn't necessarily easy.

I have been asked to meet with the head of another engineering company to discuss whether or not I would be a good fit for them. Either as a consultant or as an employee. I don't really have a desire to be employed at the moment as there is no way they can replace my current situation. I have told a connection at this company that "if someone wants to hire me I will probably have no desire to go work for them and when I need a job nobody will have one to offer". I came to this conclusion a long time ago. In any event, I have agreed to the meeting to see what might come of it. I'm not even sure I would be a good fit for them.

From my contact, it seems like they are having a hard time trying to fill a need within the company and there we have the reason for them to reach out to someone like myself.

Has anyone had any luck as a sub consultant for a larger engineering company in a similar situation? I am not sure if I should go into this meeting with high hopes or not.

 

[cvg]

a client is a client, whether it is an owner, contractor, subcontractor or another engineer. what is your hangup?

 

[KoachCSR]

Previously, I worked for an engineering company in which we contracted with a specialized analyst for detailed transient analyses and other specialized calculations when needed. She would work from her home, but always did a great job supporting our projects.

If you can fill a niche that this company needs, it would be mutually beneficial for both parties. If they are simply looking for an experienced engineer to mentor their new hires and less experienced staff, that doesn't seem like a good fit for you based on what you've described. I think you made a good decision in sitting down with them - I'd never recommend turning down a potential opportunity, you'll likely gain some insight even if you don't strike a deal.

Best of luck!

 

[MotorCity]

I would stay solo and work for this company as if they were any other client of yours. That way if things slow down on their end and they let you go, you still have kept your other client relationships active and its business as usual for you. Obviously, you would have to make it known that you intend to maintain your business and do work for other clients simultaneously. As long as the work load does not get too heavy, I say go for it.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I have told a connection at this company that "if someone wants to hire me I will probably have no desire to go work for them and when I need a job nobody will have one to offer".

If I didn't already know you from this board I would get a bad vibe out of such a statement. Perhaps it's not meant the way it reads...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rotw]

I happen to think sometimes that what motivates an employer to hire a person is often tied to what the employee would leave behind him (as perceived benefits), should he accept to do the switch. Not a rational view, I must admit. In other words, according to this irrational and primary theory, you become attractive to a reptile employer when that employer sees the opportunity to "phagocytize" your current benefits.

 

[FreddyNurk]

There are plenty of examples of making good money as a contractor to larger firms rather than as an employee. I have worked with a few people who have been employed as contractors rather than as staff, and provided all the negotiations (insurances, hourly rates etc) have been agreed its not necessarily a bad option.

Effectively it sounds like a labour hire arrangement for your company, and it can work quite well in some instances. If it were me I'd at least consider what they need and whether you want to provide it in such a manner.

EDMS Australia

 

[CWB1]

JMO but having had your own business, something to keep in mind is that if you choose to either subcontract or become an employee customers will associate you with this other company which may affect your existing business. If the office is a shitshow I sure wouldn't want to be interacting with customers in any way, OTOH it may help you gain new customers.