Hi guysI work for a big four consultancy, have just made manager and, put simply, am bored. Currently working on my hundredth powerpoint slide of the week and daydreaming about other options...I've got 5 years of consulting experience, gained either side of a 1.5 year-long spell working for an e-commerce startup that eventually ran out of cash. Since my move back into the consulting world i've found it incredibly dull in comparison to working for a small web outfit. I love the entrepreneurial life and the ups and downs that come with it, and hate working 70 hour weeks to pay for partners' yachts with the promise of a bonus worth a couple of hundred quid if i outperform my equally beleaguered peers. So my question is this: does anyone on here know of any successful stories of ex-colleagues leaving big-4 consulting and making a success of a non-consulting startup (either one they formed themselves or joined at early stage)? What characteristics marked such individuals out? What skills did they bring from consulting to their new company? Is a salary hit always needed if joining a newer company? All thoughts welcome...

You work for Deloitte.... dont you? Hang in there!

Nope, think something with a little more of an accent on the future...Anyone?

Hum, you just put my worst fears in words. I am about to accept an offer with a big 4 and honestly cannot picture myself being in your situation for long. One piece of advice for you, do not give up. Do not search for role models around and ponder your thoughts while preparing powerpoint slides. You may end up wasting your entire life like that without realising it. Start acting. Work on another idea since your ecommerce did not work out. Take a year off from accenture and pursue your idea instead of going on some crazy travel.

I met Simon Woodroffe once, the founder of Yo Sushi! and a thoroughly nice chap.He was in a similar position, doing jobs that paid the bills but didn't feed his mind. He says he knew, just knew that he had to be an entrepreneur but didn't know what he wanted to do.He bought a notebook and wrote down everything that he saw that he thought was cool, different, exciting. This ranged from products, services, jobs, design.The coolest thing he saw was a sushi restaurant which had the dishes moving around on a conveyor belt.He had no food industry experience.Simon's businesses and brands are now valued at over £1bn .Get out there, open your eyes and have the balls to make the leap!And remember this advice in your memoirs!!!

bingobnago....great post.....but it begs the question....why have you not done this yourself? :-) or have you!!!???

Let's just say that I have a box of notebooks and have just downgraded my car as I push to provide capital!Also, consulting is a great training ground for business as you get exposed to so much and see the mechanisms and processes and the highs and lows of operation.My one word of caution to consultants jumping ship to start their own business would be to not underestimate the science behind management and leadership - get as much experience as possible in being the leader, take note of what you like and dislike about leadership in others, and use this to define your own style.Your ideas and drive could make you but people are the greatest variable, surround yourself with the best and lead them well.

agreed, I would also suggest that budding leaders read this:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shackletons-Way-Leadership-Antarctic-Explorer/dp/1857883187/sr=8-1/qid=1170420218/ref=sr_1_1/026-5969658-7606013?ie=UTF8&s=books

www.expw.comThey formed from PwC and IBM consultants disgruntled with life.Currently doing very well.