Having spent the past 5 years contracting, and just recently managed to find a GREAT career job, I'd say it's pretty tough contracting! I've done eight different contracts in that time and all but one of those companies went bankrupt. Only two of them DON'T owe me money and one of the contracting agents also folded, dissapeared and took my money, social contributions and employment record with them. I haven't been on holiday in the past 5 years, I have had to pay for a private pension and medical fund, and I've spent at least 6 months of each year away from my family, in countries including Afghanistan (during the war), Saudi Arabia and Kiribati (don't ask..! ). I've had agents withholding my salary in lieu of money owed them by companies, more late payments in earnings than the IMF gets from poor African countries, been shot at from the ground after take-off, worked 76 hour duties, paid for my own LPC/OPC's and even had to pay my own hotel and positioning costs.
So, if you really are interested in a career as a contract pilot, other than the above, it's really great!
