>>But such is life and the thing I always remind myself of is, "Consulting is Riding high or the horse running of you. Be ready and expect both."
>
>I started out as an independent when the fourth software house I'd worked for in two years went broke. I figured if things were going to be that unstable, I might as well be self-employed.

You have the same luck as I have. I had four jobs last year and I'm on my second this year. I left all but one job because of finanical instability in the companies (Missed/Bounced pay checks, company losing too much money).