My last two contracts were 1 year and 1½ years. There are short term contracts out there, and they usually pay much more per hour, so I'd actually prefer them.

My last two contracts were 1 year and 1½ years. There are short term contracts out there, and they usually pay much more per hour, so I'd actually prefer them. Most companies want you for at least 6 months. It takes getting used to, but at least I don't have that terrible feeling of being afraid to lose my job. Many people are scared into being "loyal", and it really costs them. Consider how much your average raise as a full time employee is. I'd say most people get 5%/yr if they are lucky. By going from contract to contract, my salary grows much faster than that. I'd say 30%/yr for the last few years (on average).