I’ve been working as a data collector for a project with a company that has kept me and my team on as temporary employees for several years. I really enjoyed the job and my colleagues, but this year, a new company took over the contract. To continue in this role, I have to switch to being a contractor with the new firm. They want me to sign a contract that limits my hours to 1,920 for the entire year, which means no paid holidays, no vacation time, and no benefits at all. Plus, I’ll have to pay both employer and employee taxes on my income, and if they let me go, I won't even be eligible for unemployment benefits. After crunching the numbers, it turns out that despite a higher hourly rate, I’m facing a significant pay cut. It feels like companies are finding new ways to take advantage of workers. We’re in a tough spot financially, so I feel like I have no choice but to accept this offer just to keep the bills paid. My disability income can cover the mortgage, but that’s about it. After being a temp for 17 years, this feels like a whole new low for me.