[up2isomorphism]

The problem is that in today’s climate, FTE is not really what it means. A FTE can also vanish at anytime, except it actually will ask you to pay more. And when a core tech leader left, there are also very few people can actually do any nontrivial code change to the repo.

[creer]

It depends on the country, even region. For the US west coast, FTE has been gone for a long time. More than a generation.

[alephnerd]

FTEs get stock packages, ESPPs, 401ks, employee healthcare plans, and bonuses.

Consultants/Contractors do not.

This is why consultants/contractors have to charge higher hourly rates.

[creer]

Sure, sure. I think the comment was meant as FTE as strong evidence of continuity. As an employer, you shouldn't rely on any one FTE employee staying indefinitely or giving you very long notice before leaving. You need to think about which employees have key knowledge, experience or skills and what it would mean for your group if they were to leave. As an employee you can't rely on the group existing indefinitely or keeping you on indefinitely. Keep your network, skills and resume in shape accordingly.

[cableshaft]

Consultants can get that if they work for a firm. I get a 401k (+match), employee healthcare plan, and bonuses, for example. The firm doesn't have any stock for the other though.

Better benefits than my previous FTE job.