I know lots of people who do this. They are contract labor (or consultants if you prefer that term). The contract is negotiated before work begins. Many empl

I know lots of people who do this. They are contract labor (or consultants if you prefer that term). The contract is negotiated before work begins. Many employers like to make the initial term short so they can terminate the folks that don't work out. Most US states have "at will" employment laws so either party can terminate at any time. The drawback is of course that you will have no job stability/security, and no benefits (unless you go with a big body shop). If you have the skills and reputation, employers will want you on your terms.