In consulting, esp. in telecoms, there are lots of deals and politics at the higher manager level. Pretty good strategy is to work as a subcontractor for severa

In consulting, esp. in telecoms, there are lots of deals and politics at the higher manager level. Pretty good strategy is to work as a subcontractor for several consulting companies - when they see you're good they will spread a word about you which helps getting next project - under their flag or even other. The good thing is that they will handle most of the political stuff for you. I successfully shuffle several consulting companies each few years or even months - they have no problem with it assuming you work for only one of them at a time and you do really work hard to bring every value you can to their project. Of course one should negotiate to not sign non-compete agreements when working this way. The crucial thing is to communicate to them in a polite way that you enjoy working with them but you don't necessarily want to become part of their organisation. Not easy, but doable.