[pierat]

Sometimes, it is stupid.

Other times, its cause the costs are well hidden UNTIL its time to pay them. And the "gig" seems to pay quite well, until it doesn't. The company side has actuaries to assess risk and understand accurate costs, all the way down to the make/model/year/mileage of your car. You, well, dont. Its all about information asymmetry.

Many times, its simple desperation. When there isn't anything else, you do what you can, even though you're being taken advantage of.