>I loved being an independent consultant, but the older I got the more tiring the constant travel became. If I were young and single again contracting would be the only way I'd fly (and not through any headhunters)!

I still use various agencies, but have increasingly started taking on other projects the past couple years. The difference in fee is amazing though; almost twice as much per hour on my own compared to what's left after the agency takes out it's margin. I found out two years ago through a very informative client that what that margin was and that was when I started taking the independent stuff on. I can charge less than the agency, but significantly more than what I would make through them. Everyone's happy! Well, ok, exept the agency... :)