I have an industry background in business rather than IT. Six months ago I joined a top ten consultancy.I was very keen to enter consultancy either as a long term career or for 2-3 years prior to returning to industry. I received several offers and was looking forward to a stream of interesting projects that would broaden my skills.However so far my utilisation rate has been poor with lots of bench time and billings less than 2 * base salary. Previous posts suggest the norm is between 3 and 6 times base salary.I have networked extensively and not turned down any projects. Other highly experienced consultants are also benched.I have been offered a job back in industry (was not really looking and this was my only application). It is a good job which will develop my career and offers a salary increase. Should I take the job? Or assume the last six months are a blip and stick it out until I at least have two years of brand name consultancy on the CV? Or assume I picked a dog and try switching to another consultancy?

It's not uncommon to have slightly more benchtime than normal when you first start out. My opinion would be to stick it out for a while. You've only been consulting for a short time so if you leave now it will likely not help your career or CV at all to have just 6 months or less experience. It will actually probably appear that it was too difficult so you quit. Use your time while on the bench wisely and it will help you when your projects kick off. Study, network, read, or even help your consultancy by looking for potential clients.I would suggest hanging in there. If you do, it can pay off immensely.Regards,Michael

In general, I would agree with Michael. However, if the job you have been offered IS a good one with career prospects and a interesting content, I'd understand your dilemma. Just doing it for a (presumably modest) salary increase would not be worth it in my opinion.