These aren't all 'cons' in the true sense, but things to be aware of at a minimum. You likely won't be told them in the interview process.
I'll write this in two parts; NowCFO specific and 'things to be aware if this is your first time consulting'.
NowCFO Specific:
*Benefits don't start until the first month AFTER your first 60 days. You need to factor that in when deciding if you can cover COBRA, get added to a spouse/partner's plan, or go without and hope for the best. When benefits do become active, they have expensive premiums and anemic coverage. If you have any dental needs, you'll be disappointed in the offerings.
*Don't ever say 'remote work'. The firm prides itself and heavily sells 'on-site work'. You will need to be on-site. This can work to your benefit as you find more projects/tasks that need your help so the engagement builds into more work for you. But you're not going to be able to work remotely.
*You are going to be on your own in many cases. While management is aware of this challenge and working to overcome it, you should reach out to your partner and BDR frequently to keep them in the loop. Partly to have that human interaction and partly as a CYA move. Surprises with clients are not welcome. You also won't interact much with other consultants in your market. It's just not how engagements are setup usually.
*Training/meetings are held early in the morning. You can do them on your commute, but you'll be up early for calls several days per week. 7am meetings are common depending on time zones.
*Work/life balance is a bit tricky as you're going to work well more than 40 hours/week. It is expected that you bill 40 hours per week. Meetings, training, commute time are all in addition to that 40 hours. Do the math; 40 hours billable work on-site, plus commute time, plus training meetings.
*Billable hours are the lifeblood of the business and you will be measured by them. There had better be a good reason for down-time or else you'll hear about it, likely being yelled at.
*The negative feedback you hear about the CEO is largely true. His tendency to yell first and ask questions later is something that most professionals won't tolerate, hence the turnover. While profanity is something we hear in the workplace, the CEO seems to revel in its use.
*Leadership opportunities mean you'll work ~60 hours/week. You're still expected to bill 40 hrs/week, help with sales efforts, participate in training meetings/calls and attend your weekly staff meeting. You won't be reimbursed for mileage.
This is your first time consulting:
*Because you're a consultant, your clients may not always agree with you and sometimes that means you have to fall in line, even when you can see a negative outcome on the horizon. You still try to advocate for the best scenario, but again, don't get your feelings hurt if the business doesn't take all your advice.
*Keep track of your miles so you can deduct them as you won't be reimbursed for them. Travel time doesn't count towards your billable hours so if you get clients that require long commutes, your day will be very long.
*Clients range the gamut from lots of fun to work with to 'I wish I could fire this client'. It's just luck of the draw.
*Get smart about how you plan your days. Can you take calls while on the road/commuting? Can you shift your hours to make rush-hour less brutal?
