Like pigs at the trough…

4 Responses to Like pigs at the trough…

1. jonno1 says:

   February 1, 2012 at 15:42

   Why do they all look so sad (especially the twins)? Isn’t $1000/hr enough? Of course, the important issue is that they get it right (sounds like the previous enquiry didn’t).

   PS At the risk of incurring the wrath of other commenters, I don’t have too much of a problem with $2000/day provided it’s inclusive of all expenses, and assuming those gentlemen are operating as private consultants, though I’m not sure of the relevance of an ex-policeman. But to generalise, a consultant’s hourly rate has to cover heaps of stuff that a wage/salary earner takes for granted (eg all forms of leave, statutory holidays, other levies such as ACC [in NZ], PI/PL insurance).

   PPS I hasten to add that it’s a lot more than I earn as a consultant, but then I’m just a lowly engineer (oh, so is the dam expert – I’d better increase my rates!).
   • KG says:

     February 1, 2012 at 16:02

     I don’t mind a high fee for consultants either, Jonno–provided they’re experts in their field.
     But I’m deeply suspicious of the way governments routinely employ hordes of consultants to do what public servants ought to be doing anyway. It’s too often a way of siphoning large amounts of taxpayer’s money to their mates, to that ineradicable inner circle which leeches off the taxpayer.
     • jonno1 says:

       February 1, 2012 at 18:26

       Yes KG, no argument with that. Govt depts generally seem to be highly staffed (and paid), yet still use consultants excessively.

       I work for a small number of clients on an as-needed basis, eg to cover peaks, or where I have a specialisation that is not available or justified in-house. Although my workload fluctuates, it suits me better than my management roles in a former life. My clients freely admit that my work (and that of other one-man bands) can be much more cost-effective than that of in-house staff.

       One claimed that it is 50% more productive (taking into account staff downtime due to meetings, paid leave etc – not that they are incompetent or lazy). Humility prevents my mentioning the true reason.
       • KG says:

         February 2, 2012 at 04:51

         One can guess though.