Not enough work to do in consulting 6

[heartlandce]

I've read a couple threads on the site about what to do when you don't have enough work. I'm in a slightly different situation from many of the posters in those threads, in that I work for a consulting company and need to fill out a time sheet. The past couple weeks I've had a lot of time that has just gone on overhead and have had to explain to my boss what I've been doing.

The thing is, I've asked for billable work from coworkers and even my direct boss but things have been kind of lean. I can fill my time doing lessons learned type documentation, coming up with documented procedures etc., but none of that can be billed.

I've only been at this job a couple months, so I worry that asking for work all the time will threaten my job. If I don't ask for work, however, and spend my time doing things that are useful, but not billable, I cost the company money. It's a lose lose. The thing is, the billable work I have received I think I've performed well on. It's just that people need to give me a chance to help them.

Any suggestions on how to make myself relevant within the department so that more work is directed my way, all while not seeming 'whiny' about it or being a nuisance?

 

[brandonbw]

I went to a place that was working on many large subdivisions. They went on a hiring spree for the upcoming work. The company one by one started losing the projects. After a few losses they were still looking to outsource as if just a couple of these projects went full steam ahead they would be busy for a long time. Slowly over time every single project went on hold. They held on to their core, but went from 70+ to about 5 in a span of 3 years. I thought they were pretty good at trying to keep the company going. In the middle of that I decided to try to find something a bit more stable. I was let go from the next company 5 months in after their clients started having the effects from the depression. That last company was doing all the civil work for celebrities in the greater Los Angeles area. A downturn can affect any size company with any type of contract or work.

I would suggest paying attention to what's going on. If no one is complaining that you are sitting around not billing hours, you probably are okay.

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer

http://bwengr.com

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http://bwstructuralengineer.com

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http://bwcivilengineer.com

 

[CarolinaPE]

I would do things to improve the speed at which you can perform your work in the future. During slow times I have created "start files" that include details, schedules, etc, keeping things handy when you need them quickly. This may be a CAD file or load calculation program file with all the normal data already filled in (I realize you are civil but you get the picture). You may want to consolidate some details you have made in a CAD details "start file", make a 3-ring binder "cookbook" for those pieces of code, charts or other data you find yourself needing to reference frequently.