[mancerayder]

I don't know about the last sentence. As an independent consultant I've been in places for years, but that's because the place was relatively transparent with me and so I chose to be transparent with them.

You should go honest and transparent first, but if people play games then you have to protect yourself. However, my theory is that consultants are less prone to the crazy political storms that engulf full-time employees and give them insomnia.