My basic message is that in today's economy you should investigate consulting. Things are very different than they were a few years ago. People like us are giving up full-time jobs for the consulting world. Defense firms are using us again, the computer business is in in need of us, health care wants us, and every company is looking for ways to eliminate employees in favor of contractors. All the trade journals tell the same story.
Consultants are in demand.
Full-time jobs are scarce because employees are a costly problem. Consultants are a cost-effective solution. Let's talk about money. Take a look at your superiors. This is where you will be in a few years.