The IIM is aware that an increasing number of executives are considering a career transition from the world of permanent employment to being in business on their own account. Beyond this, many are considering this approach by looking to build a career in the interim profession.

This is rarely done as a ‘snap’ decision. It is our experience that people take their time to consider the pros and cons, including the basics of how to find work, how much income is ‘enough’, how am I going to position myself, how do I operate and so on.

Obtaining the answers to these and a range of other ‘hard’ questions brings a sense of reality to the thought process which balances some of the perhaps more romantic notions implied in ‘being your own boss’. Having a well thought-through approach brings a sense of how to make the transition work.

Building on this is the need to decide whether the individual can translate a successful ‘corporate’ career into a productive one as an interim practitioner, where you stand or fall on your own efforts. This does not suit everyone, and it is sensible to learn as much as you can before making a final full commitment to the career change.

As part of its remit to educate about the profession, the IIM is running a webinar that introduces people to the main themes that need addressing when considering this career transition.