Power BI is a popular business intelligence tool that allows users to create interactive dashboards and reports from various data sources. It is widely used by companies of all sizes and industries to gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
But what if you want to make a living out of Power BI? What if you want to become a Power BI consultant and help other businesses with their data needs?
You might think that this is a lucrative and rewarding career choice, but you would be wrong. In fact, there are many reasons why you should avoid Power BI consulting at all costs.
In this article, I will share some of the challenges and pitfalls I faced as a former Power BI consultant and why I decided to quit this profession for good.
Here are some of the reasons why no one should be a Power BI consultant:
You will have to deal with unrealistic expectations and demands from clients
One of the biggest problems with Power BI consulting is that clients often have unrealistic expectations and demands from you. They want you to deliver complex and customized solutions quickly, with minimal budget and resources.
They also expect you to know everything about their business, data, systems, and goals without giving you enough information or access. They will frequently change their requirements and blame you for errors or delays.
You will have to deal with constant pressure and stress from clients who don’t understand or appreciate the value of your work. You will have to work long hours, often on weekends and holidays, to meet tight deadlines and satisfy demanding customers.
You will have no work-life balance, job satisfaction, or recognition for your efforts.
You will have to learn and master multiple skills and technologies
Another challenge with Power BI consulting is that you will have to learn and master multiple skills and technologies.
Power BI is not a standalone tool but rather a part of a larger data ecosystem involving various components such as data sources, models, transformations, visualizations, security, governance, etc.
You will have to be proficient in not only Power BI but also other tools and platforms such as SQL Server, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Analysis Services, DAX, M language, Python, R, etc.
You will also have to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the data world, as Power BI and its related technologies are constantly evolving and changing.
You will have to invest a lot of time and money in learning new skills and acquiring new certifications.
You will never feel like you know enough or are good enough at your job.
You will have to compete with low-cost and low-quality providers
A third problem with Power BI consulting is that you will have to compete with low-cost and low-quality providers who offer similar services at a fraction of your price.
These providers are often freelancers or agencies who use cheap labor or automated tools to create subpar Power BI solutions.
They don’t care about their work’s quality or value but only about the quantity and profit. They undercut your prices and undermine your reputation by delivering poor results that don’t meet the client’s needs or expectations.
They also flood the market with their low-quality offerings, making it harder for you to find and attract high-quality clients who are willing to pay for your expertise and experience.
You will have to constantly lower your rates and compromise your standards to survive in this competitive and saturated market.
You will have no career growth or development opportunities
A fourth issue with Power BI consulting is that you will have no career growth or development opportunities.
As a Power BI consultant, you will be stuck in a rut doing the same type of work over and over again for different clients.
You will have no opportunity to learn new skills or take on new challenges that would help you grow as a professional or as a person.
You will have no mentorship or guidance from senior colleagues or managers who would help you improve your performance or advance your career.
Also, you will have no benefits or perks that come with being an employee of a company, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, etc.
You will have no sense of belonging or purpose in your work.
Conclusion
Power BI consulting may seem like an attractive career option for those who love working with data and helping others with their data needs. However, as I have shown in this article, there are many reasons why you should stay away from this profession.
Power BI consulting is not worth the hassle, stress, frustration, and disappointment it entails. It is not a fulfilling or rewarding career choice but rather a dead-end and a trap.
