Organizational skills are a critical skill for the contract professional. By working independently, you'll have the opportunity to work on multiple projects simultaneously, rather than getting locked into just one system. Often, particularly with on-site contract work, you have power over how many hours you want to work. Companies don't want to rack up obscene numbers of hours. This can be particularly advantageous if you have children, allowing you to spend more time with family.
Many contractors report they spend a lot less time in pointless meetings.
It makes sense. Managers think twice before paying a contractor to join a meeting that may not be the most efficient use of their time. There are no paid vacations, nor do you normally get paid for sick days. Contract work usually lacks important benefits such as health and a 401K, so you'll have to foot the bill yourself. Make sure you figure this into your compensation projections.