As the year winds down, many senior HR professionals finally get a moment to step back and reflect. Am I still fulfilled by my work? Does it create the impact I want? And if something needs to shift, what might that shift be?
Throughout this month’s series on community, connection and career purpose, we’ve explored what it really takes to build a more meaningful way of working. We looked at finding your people, why you don’t have to do this alone, the power of community, and what purpose means now.
This final article brings those themes together. If you’re sensing the need for a meaningful HR career change, here’s why face2faceHR could be the next step that aligns with both your skills and your values.
Rethinking what a meaningful HR career change might look like
Many experienced HR professionals reach a point where senior roles no longer give the same sense of energy or purpose. The work is still important, but the constraints, competing priorities and political navigation can dilute the parts you once loved most.
Consultancy often sparks interest because it offers autonomy, variety and a chance to work more closely with people again. But going entirely alone can feel risky, especially if you’re not sure how to find clients, build systems or create momentum. It’s something that ran through all our earlier articles: independence is appealing, but isolation rarely leads to a fulfilling next chapter.
A franchise model can offer the best balance: your own consultancy, with a robust support structure behind you.
Why support makes such a difference
Meaningful work isn’t only about the tasks you do. It’s shaped by the environment you work within and the connections you have around you.
One of the reasons consultants choose face2faceHR is because they don’t have to navigate consultancy alone. They have independence, but also access to guidance, reassurance and practical help when they need it.
You benefit from:
- A community of fellow consultants who share ideas, challenges and problem-solving approaches.
- Tools and templates that save hours and reduce the mental load of running a small business.
- A head office team who are genuinely invested in your success.
- Structured programmes that help you build confidence gradually rather than scramble to learn everything at once.
It mirrors the themes in our December series: community fuels confidence, and connection helps consultants thrive rather than simply cope.
Rediscovering purpose through SME impact
One of the biggest drivers behind a meaningful HR career change is wanting to feel the difference you make. Working with SMEs offers exactly that. The impact is clear, direct and often immediate. You see managers grow in confidence, cultures shift and employees feel more supported.
For many consultants, this is what reignites their sense of purpose. Instead of feeling several layers removed, you’re part of shaping the direction of a business. You can genuinely influence decisions that matter.
If you’ve been craving work that feels closer to real people and real outcomes, SME consultancy often delivers that in a way corporate roles no longer can.
Questions to help you assess whether consultancy fits
If consultancy is starting to feel like a possible next step, here are a few reflections to guide your thinking.
What work rhythm suits your life now?
Consultancy lets you shape your week in the way that works for you. Many consultants choose school-friendly hours, condensed weeks or a mix of home and client work. With a franchise, you keep that flexibility without losing connection to a wider professional community.
What clients bring out your best work?
If you enjoy building long-term relationships and supporting people who genuinely value your guidance, you may find SME clients more rewarding than large corporate environments.
Do you want to build something that’s yours?
Consultancy gives you the chance to create a business that reflects your experience and personality. With face2faceHR, you start with a proven structure, brand and toolkit, so you’re not reinventing everything from scratch.
What support helps you do your best work?
Some people thrive fully independently. Others thrive with a supportive team around them. A franchise offers independence with built-in expertise and camaraderie, so you’re never navigating uncertainty alone.
How face2faceHR aligns with your sense of purpose
Purpose has been a thread throughout this month’s series. It isn’t necessarily about changing everything. Often, it’s about aligning your work more closely with what matters to you now.
At face2faceHR, consultants often talk about finding:
- meaningful client relationships;
- varied, interesting work;
- flexibility without losing challenge;
- a genuine community of peers; and
- a practical, ethical business model that’s proven to work.
It’s a way of working that brings professional satisfaction and personal balance back into the same conversation.
Reflecting on the December series
Across these four articles we’ve explored confidence, connection, belonging and purpose. If these ideas have resonated, it may be because they reflect something shifting in your own thinking.
A meaningful HR career change doesn’t have to be dramatic or immediate. Often it begins with simply noticing what aligns with you now and allowing yourself to consider something different.
For many HR professionals, consultancy – especially with structured support – becomes the natural next chapter.
Want to find out more?
If you’re curious about whether consultancy could be right for you, you can download our prospectus or get in touch for an informal chat. It’s an easy way to explore whether a meaningful HR career change could be the next step that helps you build a career that truly works for you.