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I thought it might be helpful to share my recent experience. I returned to
the contracting world this summer after 18 months in a "permanent" job
(that didn't last either).
1. I noticed that more of the big agencies are trying to be my "buddy" -
they talk about treating me like an employee (is that good or bad?)
2. They seem to be finding more leads - maybe that's a result of the
booming market; maybe it's that they're really scrambling - I suspect that
both are valid, plus I have found that they may not be doing a good job of
finding out what the client REALLY wants - I've been "perfect" for a job
according to the agency, then the client trots out some other "must have"
that I don't have (or is that just their gutless way of saying no?)
3. No matter where you are, the better jobs are somewhere else.
4. I've gotten both my contracts from "little guys" - local agencies.
5. As my previous contract was ending, that agency actually worked very
hard to find me a new position - its the first time that has ever happened
to me!