Independent consulting is not for everyone. If you're a company man – or woman – and you've been with the same organization for 20 years and the thought of change scares the hell out of you, then it's not for you. Change may be the best thing in the world for you, but success probably won't come easily – or even ever. You'll likely be too stymied by what just happened to you (getting laid off) or what you just did (quit outright) to think on your feet and react quickly. Don't do it – unless layoffs are imminent. If that's the case, or if you think it may be an option for you, then start thinking about your next move now and consider whether or not independent consulting is for you.