Category: Life as a Consultant

1. Burnout in HR: The Crisis We’re Not Talking About

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 22nd Apr 2025

   

   
   By Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD

   While wellbeing has become a mainstream conversation in the workplace, the wellbeing of HR professionals themselves is still largely overlooked.

   In my latest podcast episode, I explore the rising crisis of burnout in HR – especially among those who’ve left corporate life to run their own businesses. The data is clear: burnout is not just common, it’s become dangerously normalised.

   Entrepreneurs at Breaking Point
   Running a business brings freedom but also intense pressure. Recent stats show:

   • 42% of US small-business owners have experienced burnout
     
     

   • 37% of UK founders say work has harmed their health
     
     

   • Nearly 50% of Canadian entrepreneurs face ongoing mental health issues
     
     

   We often swap corporate stress for entrepreneurial stress – and it’s taking a toll.

   HR Professionals: Supporting Everyone but Themselves

   According to the HR Wellbeing Survey 2024:

   • 74% have experienced burnout at least once
     
     

   • Over 60% report multiple episodes
     
     

   • 91% feel lonely in their role
     
     

   • Half are considering leaving within a year
     
     

   • A third have taken stress-related sick leave
     
     

   • Over half have had no recent performance feedback
     
     

   These figures reflect a sector in crisis, and for HR consultants juggling both people and business demands, the impact can be even more intense.

   What’s Driving the Burnout?

   The causes are layered: unrealistic expectations, emotional labour without support, lack of visibility or boundaries, and little opportunity for feedback or reflection. Many feel constantly "on" and professionally isolated.

   How We Start to Recover
   Burnout is not a badge of honour. It’s a red flag. Here's what can help:

   • Setting and maintaining boundaries
     
     

   • Seeking support through coaching or peer networks
     
     

   • Creating time for personal reflection
     
     

   • Saying no when necessary
     
     

   • Joining communities designed to support HR professionals – like the HR Consultancy Academy
     
     

   This episode is an invitation to start taking our own well being seriously. The calm exterior so often expected of HR masks a growing internal crisis – and it’s time we addressed it.

   Listen to the full podcast for the full conversation and practical ways forward.

   #LeapIntoHRConsulting #TheHRConsultancyAcademy #HRBurnout #MentalHealthInHR #EntrepreneurWellbeing #WellbeingAtWork #BoundariesInBusiness

    

2. Reflecting on 2024 and Planning for a Phenomenal 2025

   Posted on 8:00am Friday 20th Dec 2024

    

   As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for reflection and forward planning. In a recent podcast episode, I, Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD, shared my experiences from 2024 and offered valuable insights and practical advice to help you make 2025 a year of success and growth. Whether you're an HR consultant or a business owner, my reflections and tips are here to inspire and guide you as you plan for the future. 📝💡

   2024: A Year of Travel and Opportunity 🌏✈️

   2024 was an incredible year for me, filled with travel and new opportunities. From Australia’s sun-soaked coasts 🌞 to the vibrant energy of Chicago and New York 🌆, these adventures reminded me of the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

   Being a consultant means you’re not confined to a desk or a single location. 🌍 The world is your office! These journeys brought fresh perspectives, connections, and unexpected growth—proof that embracing new challenges can lead to transformative experiences.

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   Looking Ahead: My Top Five Tips for Planning a Successful 2025 🚀

   As we gear up for 2025, here are my five essential tips for starting the year strong and setting yourself up for success:

   1️⃣ Set Clear Goals 🎯
   A clear vision is the foundation for any successful year. Whether it’s hitting a revenue milestone 💰, launching a new service 🚀, or growing your community 🤝, having SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) ensures your plans are ambitious yet realistic.

   2️⃣ Prioritise Well-Being 🧘‍♀️💆‍♂️
   There’s no wealth without health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but I can’t stress enough the importance of rest, exercise, and mental health. 🏃‍♀️ Take time for yourself—you’ll find your energy and motivation soar when you do.

   3️⃣ Leverage Technology 🤖🖥️
   Tools like Zapier and AI apps like ChatGPT are game-changers for consultants. By automating repetitive tasks, you free up hours each week to focus on what truly matters—serving your clients and growing your business. Embrace these tools and watch your productivity skyrocket! 🚀

   4️⃣ Build a Strong Network 🤝💬
   Your network is your net worth. Whether it’s attending industry events, joining The HR Consultancy Academy community, or collaborating with peers, building connections opens doors to opportunities and fresh perspectives. 🌟 Collaboration truly is the key to growth.

   5️⃣ Commit to Continuous Learning 📚✨
   The HR landscape is always evolving. To stay ahead, you need to be on top of the latest trends, tools, and strategies. My passion for lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of my success—and it can be yours too.

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   Kickstart Your Year with Sprint 2025 🗓️💼

   To help you hit the ground running, I’m hosting the Sprint 2025 Planning Event on January 14th. 🏃‍♂️ This free event will walk you through a step-by-step framework for success, with interactive sessions and opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.

   Whether you’re setting 90-day goals or crafting a roadmap for the entire year, this event will be a game changer. 🔥

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   Your Roadmap to Success 🛣️

   As you reflect on the past year and plan for 2025, I invite you to adopt these strategies:

   ✔️ Set clear goals
   ✔️ Prioritise your well-being
   ✔️ Leverage technology
   ✔️ Build meaningful connections
   ✔️ Embrace lifelong learning

   By taking these steps, you can make 2025 your best year yet! 🌟 So grab a coffee ☕, get comfy 🛋️, and dive into the podcast episode for more inspiration and actionable advice.

   Here’s to a year of success, growth, and adventure.

   Let’s make it happen together! 🙌🎉

3. Are your financially ready to be a consultant ?

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 20th Nov 2024

   The results from our recent HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz have shed light on some important considerations when it comes to financial readiness and vision for aspiring consultants. It is crucial for individuals looking to transition from a corporate job to consulting to carefully evaluate the impact this change will have on their personal commitments, such as family responsibilities and financial obligations.

   The fact that only 14% of participants scored low in this category is encouraging, as it suggests that the majority of individuals are aware of the financial risks associated with becoming an independent consultant. However, it is important to note that having a clear vision for the consulting work they want to do and the clients they want to serve is equally important for long-term success.

   The data also revealed that a significant portion of participants scored medium in the Financial Readiness and Vision category. This could indicate that while they have some awareness of the financial implications of starting a consulting business, there may be room for further planning and goal-setting to ensure long-term sustainability.

   For those looking to make the leap into consulting, it is essential to not only have a solid financial plan in place but also a clear vision for the future of their business. By taking the time to assess their personal financial situation and set clear goals for their consulting practice, individuals can set themselves up for success in this competitive industry.

   If you are considering a career in HR consulting, we encourage you to take our HR Consulting Success Secrets Scorecard quiz to assess your readiness and gain valuable insights into the key areas of motivation, expertise, financial readiness, and vision.

    

   Take the first step towards building a successful consulting business today.

    

   We also have business partners who can advise you on your finances - whether it's mortgages or income protection.

   Take our quiz at  and unlock your potential for success.