Two things that consulting and digital nomad share is the need to work remotely and travel.

Hey, back again in my lessons from my first 100 days that I learned in consulting that I hope not only provides an insight but can help anyone to serve as a blueprint surviving life in consulting without ever being thrown under the bus. I mean, even if you were at that position, I hope this will help you survive it and minimize the risks.

If you work in Energy Infrastructure Land & Risk Management consulting, going to remote and exotic locations are in your itinerary. Sometimes you are flown in a light aircraft just to visit their fuel terminal or the areas that need to be developed or built. I haven’t reached that level yet, but I have been to places where the flight cost more expensive than flying internationally.

When I first offered this job and mingling around other staff, I showed that I’ve adapted well and remained comfortable despite the circumstances. Why wouldn’t I? I have traveled quite a bit and being a digital nomad myself or a backpacker, I have seen worst of the worst, internationally at that. From bed bugs to rowdy backpackers’ housemates, how worse could it be? It isn’t worse.

But obviously, if you are looking to transition into this role that is bureaucracy heavy, has some Machiavellian politics game at play and less freedom or egalitarian style, as a digital nomad, you’ll be in for a surprise.

I thought everyone would use google docs or asana but apparently, I am in a Microsoft heavy environment dealing with documents, PPT, and excel. But hey, I wouldn’t complain about my accommodation, and I receive daily pay even if I don’t work.
The accommodation is not that bad nor horrible. It is decent enough and typically a rented house where everything is included, especially if it’s more than a month’s stay.

As a digital nomad, I was already used to working remotely, being in a different culture and mingling, as well as proficient in digital communications.

I also have everything I needed in 30lt bag. To me, if there were coffee and café, I would do just fine. So basically, my skills are already transferable, and it isn’t so much pain to do this. However, for those who are not used to differences and travel, this job can be exhausting.

There is another difference that I have noticed by being digital nomad purely as freelancer vs working in consulting. In the past, I could just dress however I like but these days, I need to account and accommodate business meeting and attire. So, I know, backpack isn’t ideal in this case, and this is something I am working on fixing. You also must be ready for a short-term trip as well rather than a long haul. In the end, it was one of my soft skills that was transferable into this job. As someone who soaks up accent and language quite easily, that was also my strength. I mingle easily with locals and not stand out too much.

So, in essence to survive consulting, especially in Energy Infrastructure Land & Risk Management, have a mindset of a digital nomad and learn from them how to pack, how to navigate internet uncertainties and such. Those nomads know where best to stay, best café and best and reliable packing method and tools to use.