7/6     I have a full-time position at a large company.  I'm thinking of
        asking them to turn me into a contractor so that they can pay
        me more and NOT provide any benefits.  Has anyone done this or
        heard of anyone who have done this?  Note that I'd be an independent
        contractor and not going through any agency.  I'm wondering how much
        more I can get by becoming an hourly contractor.  I heard companies
        actually save money because they don't have to pay me any medical
        insurance and such.  Thanks.
        \_ Don't count on keeping more money - taxes will be higher and you'll
           have to find insurance on your own at higher rates than the
           company's group rates.  Plus, whenever times are tight, contractors
           are usually the first out the door.
           \_ Also, not sure if this is just my company or if it's law, but
              contractors can't stay more than 3 years. They have to leave
              the company for 3 months before contract can be renewed.
              \_ Not the law, really, but due to a finding against m$
                 by a bunch of long term contractors who sued claiming
                 they were denied stock options.
        \_ I know lots of people who have done contractor->employee, but
                none who went the other way.