> You have a bit of money you might use to hold out until one better fit comes along. > What can you afford? I've done contracting work in between W2 jobs. In

> You have a bit of money you might use to hold out until one better fit comes along. > What can you afford? I've done contracting work in between W2 jobs. In the full swing of contracting I make ~25% more money but I prefer the stability and simplistically of working a full time salary position (guaranteed two paychecks a month, better health insurance, fully clocked out by 6pm). I absolutely won't go into a full time salary position unless the company and culture is a very good fit and the pay is competitive. If you know how to code and have something that proves you do (CS degree, work history, github etc) you should never feel stuck at one place. If a company isn't treating you with excellence you can make more money as an independent contractor.