Ask HN: How did you move from programming to consulting?

Hi HN,

I'm doing a training program in consulting, currently a programmer. I need to ask a number of experienced consultants how they got to where they are now.

I have a few simple questions for programmers who became consultants!

What was the most painful part of consulting for you in the beginning? What is it now? What is the #1 thing you see that prevents new consultants from successfully getting started? How many years have you been in consulting? What is your niche? (you can be general...)

Thanks a lot HN!