Hey buddy, I feel your pain. I've been in the biz for 30 years now. 17 as a contractor and the last 13 as tech ops mgmt in-house. I currently work for Comcast. I have seen the rates get dropped and the tasks get raised for years. It's sad to watch from this side how contractors get treated. The problem is that when one company has had enough, another one comes along and takes on the contract for less. My advice for you would be to get some schooling in another field while you are working. I used to love this business. Sadly, it has taken a huge turn for the worst.
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