This is exactly what they want. I hear about all kinds of Software Engineers on HN asking for way over what a FTE gets paid, but that's simply not the reality f

This is exactly what they want. I hear about all kinds of Software Engineers on HN asking for way over what a FTE gets paid, but that's simply not the reality for most contractors who are paid well below FTE's, with zero benefits at all, and no job security. Management treats you with more hostility as if you're trash and easily replaceable as well. This is what the wealthy class & corporations want, cheaper labor. For the majority of contractors, they're not making nearly as much as FTE's, the contractor middle-man that got you the contracting job is taking a hefty cut and while they provide benefits, they are extraordinary in cost. I'm not talking about independent contractors, I'm talking about large firms that hire people to contract at large corporations. It's become a big thing in Seattle, and if you're not a software engineer your chances of getting FTE to start --without at least 6 months of cheap contract labor-- are slim to none.