I've been working for a niche consultancy for 2 1/2 years and I've a problem in that my last few evaluations have been fairly negative!On the plus side, I know that I'm earning a very good salary, I like the job and I have time for life outside of work. I also believe that the evaluations were incredibly harsh and given a little time, I can prove them wrong.However, I'm worried that if I did get made redundant (and there is a chance) that other consultancies wouldn't then take me on as it would undermine my competence.A friend of mine has been telling me that his company (Deloitte) wouldn't recruit anyone on with this sort of thing on their record. Is this true? E.g. would it be better to jump ship now and not risk losing my chance with other consultancies.

James - evaluations, particularly in small niche firms, are partly about how well you've been performing but also partly about how much the firm wants you to stay with them and rise up the ranks. If there is a culture clash between you and the Partners, for example, you are unlikely to get great reviews and they are unlikely to want to see you rise up through the ranks in their firm - or indeed allow you to do so. So do bear in mind that reviews can be as much about interpersonal issues as they are about your capability.I would certainly agree with your friend that making a move from your firm to another consultancy will be easy in the current climate (shortage of experienced candidates) if you are working for a competitor; having to explain why you lost your consulting job would be a considerable (though not insurmountable) barrier to overcome in getting a new consulting job.So my advice - move now while your credibility is untarnished.Good luck, Tony

Have you also asked yourself if consulting is the right career for you ? I found the book "What color is my parachute ?" very good in terms of self assessment. On a seperate note, its nearly always better to jump before you're pushed. You might get a few grand redundancy, but the impact it would have on your morale, and your chances of securing something better would likely not be worth it.

i have a first degree in real estate and will like to know if coming into consulting would be apropriate for me

A degree in real estate is a mickey mouse degree. So no, consulting is not for you.