>I have to wonder if this is not the goal of many of these companys Why do you wonder this? Were these people laid off and then replaced with contractors? Why

>I have to wonder if this is not the goal of many of these companys Why do you wonder this? Were these people laid off and then replaced with contractors? Why would they do this by laying off 10% of staff instead of just replacing all the new hires going forward with contractors, instead of continuing to hire into full time roles? I have to wonder if this is idle speculation on your part based on no evidence.