"In a fixed career you have a chance to build something up, while in contracting you're often back to square one with each new contract." When you are "contrac

"In a fixed career you have a chance to build something up, while in contracting you're often back to square one with each new contract." When you are "contracting" (I assume you mean freelancing) you ARE working for a "company" - YOU. Your boss is you, your accountant is you, your assistant is you, your maid is you. If you don't give yourself a promotion, sure you won't "build something up". What you describe is not inherent to "contracting" it's up to you. Some people thrive in that scenario.