[dredmorbius]

It's possible to switch to not being a contractor.

I'm also not all that certain that down markets don't hit all categories with similar force. Contractors may be cut slightly earlier (discretionary spending), but that depends on contracting terms and duration (there are set-length contracts), and as a bonus might be hired back earlier.

Much depends on whether or not you have a specific skillset that's in demand, and know how to market it effectively. And that's regardless of your employment terms.

[Domenic_S]

> It's possible to switch to not being a contractor.

Sure, but during an economic contraction is typically not a good time!

[dredmorbius]

It depends, much of that on your relationship with clients and their own savvy.

If you're a valued contributor and your client is aware of that, they may be able to swing things. That may end up being a zero-sum game, with existing headcount being eliminated. Much depends on the organisation's own policies and savvy.

It's an argument for maintaining good relations, though.