[creer]

Bigger or smaller companies is exactly who hires consultants and contractors (yes, medium too).

A few companies aim for full time only - but I don't feel that's many. Some companies have overall contracts and outsource to specific services companies - and will rarely consider individuals (both US and Europe).

Your network is not people who will necessarily hire you for a project. They are people who might at some point know something.

Your network should also include other consultants and contractors who are likely to be over- or under-worked at any time and could use your help.