After 25+ years in industry I recently decided to launch myself on the consulting world. I've been doing my homework, carefully researching the types of firms I want to work for and tailoring my cv & application to each one etc etc etc. The interview invites are starting to roll in.However, after an afternoon trawling through all the threads posted here little doubts are starting to creep in. Here's my situation:-1. I don't have a degree but I do have post-grad qualifications by dint of courses, evening classes etc. Before all you 2:1's out there start guffawing at my ineptitude let me just say this: I made it to several senior-level posts within various blue-chip organisations without one, and anyway I intend to leverage my vast commercial experience.2. I have no particular desire to work for a Big 4 or anyone like that, I just want someone who can appreciate my talents and give me interesting work where I feel I can make a contribution.3. I have a husband who runs his own business and two young children. We have discussed the implications of my intended career move on our famly life and are prepared to accept some degree of disruption. After all, I didn't succeed in industry by staying at home with the kids and I have enjoyed a degree of flexible working as I've moved up the ladder. My question is this: Is life a consultant really all that bad or is this forum mainly used for dissaffected people to sound off on? My perception (rightly or wrongly) is that consulting will give me plenty of variety and challenge in exchange for plenty of hard work and application. However, I am absolutely not repeat NOT prepared for 16 hour days, all-nighters and long spells away from home. Please somebody tell me that this is not going to be a huge mistake???