My whole team was laid off two years ago. Last year I did a startup that unfortunately folded when my business partner had a major family tragedy. This year I've been contracting and looking for work. I ran the numbers and I can't retire yet. I'm looking to work another 8-9 years.
If you're not doing it already, I'd highly suggest using every free moment you have during your contract work to network with the client, any other contractors, sales reps, account managers etc. you encounter there. i.e. don't just spend your days heads-down doing the work: get to know everyone you can, and more importantly get them to know you, while you're there. And don't be too busy to take the occasional coffee/water cooler break or group lunch. You can get a surprising number of leads this way.
