After 2 weeks and 5 hours in total of interviews over 3 rounds, the company pulled a bait-and-switch. * The role was suddenly restructured into an *independent contractor* engagement. * Pay was capped at their internal employee salary bands (they assessed me at more than 60% less than what I believe is fair market rate). My consulting rate is 1.8 times market rate. * Insisted on full time engagement and strongly pushed for in-office presence in order for me to "mentor and train juniors" * Insisted on exclusivity - no other clients in my industry plus requirement to disclose other work * Dangled possibility of a discretionary bonus contingent on vague deliverables, and capped at 50% of their low-ball offer * No initiation fee plus month-end payments... so I carry all cashflow risk So effectively: - no security or full-time employment benefits - no pricing power or consulting upside - all the restrictions and obligations of BOTH!