[ta988]

That's the thing unfortunately there exist places where the opportunities to grow are non-existent because not every executive realize what you are bringing. And their n+1 will hear about conflicting opinions and make their mind about that. You and people you helped may not have enough political power to save your ass.

[ProAm]

That is true, there are always bad places to work at. But by and large Ive worked at more places that appreciate good ancillary work than oppose it. It's important to work efficiently and economically (which is the antithetical to consultancy), communicate well, (what are you doing, why its important and why it will help the company tomorrow) especially to non-technical people. It's good to be able to speak clearly to C-level individuals spending their annual budgets on "IT services" and to also speak well to the people implementing those services. Seeing the broad big picture, keeping it in focus and getting the job done to help the company is invaluable.