I was skeptical of contract-to-hire situations until I did one myself. I got a significant increase my salary in the contract phase (even including what I paid

I was skeptical of contract-to-hire situations until I did one myself. I got a significant increase my salary in the contract phase (even including what I paid for benefits) and got an increase on top of that at the time of hire (not counting benefits). I was toward the top end of what I could make being traditionally employed locally (Helena, Montana). The remote contract-to-hire opportunity put me on par with folks living in cities, save places like NY and SF, or those working for huge companies. Definitely a good deal for some of us that don't have professional networks that would support consulting. And whatever you might think, I'm not a coaster or I wouldn't have been offered full-time employment.