In harsh times, there sometimes just is no money for investment, since the current costs are too high. And rent, employees and material are usually better investments than consultants.

Exactly. Where I would be of value for an organisation in this situation though is, I can help them maintain and retain some of their key people from leaving, or losing productivity. It isn't just those who lose their job that are affected, those who remain have issues too.

When its raining and everyone is looking for cover - it is good to be able to work in the mud