I left a startup after 2 years. I was offered a contract job that had a gross salary that was twice my startup salary. Even after taking into account the cost

I left a startup after 2 years. I was offered a contract job that had a gross salary that was twice my startup salary. Even after taking into account the cost of benefits (health, vacation, 401k, etc), I would still make about 60% more net. I did some math and even if the company sold for a decent amount in the future, my shares wouldn't have been worth the amount in pay I would have lost between then and the liquidity even. So, I started up my own LLC and started doing consulting/contracting and I've never felt happier. I feel like I'm in control now and I don't have to beg someone for a raise or worry about why I'm getting screwed in the next round of funding.