[jimrhods23]

Remote work is also a good option if you want to work on a side business/other project. At minimum, you save your commute time, which can be used for so many other things.

"expected to work lots of unpaid overtime"

A great thing about contracting is that you are paid for every hour you work. It has more risks (less stability than a full-time job), but it definitely can give you a better life balance, if you want it.

Companies are also less likely to give you overtime if they need to pay for it. Most of the time, I have to get overtime approved.

It really depends on your goals. Working for FAANG is good for some developers, because they want the prestige, you can make really good money, and you get to work on some really cool software. I don't care about any of that. I just want to make a living while I'm working on my next business.

The business is my goal.