Recently made a move to being an IT contractor, not independent though. Made the move because my team was not being paid even remotely fairly for the work we were doing at the company I was at after 8 years. I gave my old company literally every chance to impove things but everything would always fall through.
Love the company I'm contracted to now (AEP), but not my recruiter. Make lots of money, but can't leave if I wanted to. Tons of flexibility, but still technically agreed to be a slave. Thats on me, but still a negative. Terrible benefits as well. Luckily I am on my wife's insurance.