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What it is like to work for MCS...

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I got a question asking what it is like to work for Microsoft Consulting Services.  This may very well be one of my friends messing with me, but regardless, I thought it might be worth telling some stories now and then.

The particular question was about work/life balance.  There is no sugar coating here; there is very little balance a lot of the time.  The key is that you find a way to catch up now and then.  There are some time periods where you have to learn something new or you are developing something beyond your regular engagement.  During these times, you work a full day with the client and a full day that night with everything else.

Sooner or later, it catches up with you and you need to find a way to slow things down.  For the most part, the job asks for as much as you are willing to give.  I really enjoy the work, but I could use a break now and then. I have a wife and two wonderful girls (4 and 6) who need me to be around.  Luckily, we have a pretty flexible travel policy, so I am able to be home a good amount of time.

This is still the place for me and a great place to work.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    October 18, 2004


    Actually I don't know you other than from this BLOG.

    When you say “we have a pretty flexible travel policy” can you be more specific? How about giving an example?

    So you’re probably wondering why all the questions. Let’s just say I have a friend who is interviewing and want to get the real picture. He doesn’t want to leave Avanade (where there is NO work/life balance) to jump to the same job.
  • Anonymous
    October 18, 2004
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    October 18, 2004
    That's a travel policy I can appreciate. All too often, the normal policy at my current place of employment is to leave Sunday night and return on Friday night. Even for a single guy, three straight weeks of that is a very difficult balance. I don't know if that's worth it to be able to show up at the client Monday morning at 8am instead of 10am.
  • Anonymous
    October 18, 2004
    First off, thanks for the feedback.

    You are right; I think where you live CAN make a difference. My friend lives in Wash DC and is talking to MCS Federal Sector. Hopefully there is enough local work for him to stay local.

    Please do submit more stories on this topic. For example, have you ever negotiated with your client on working from home (to write documentation) etc. Thanks.