Anyone work as a contractor?

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I was fired from several full time positions. I transitioned to becoming a contractor and it's worked wonders. I am more recognized and praised for their projects. Has anyone done this and has it helped a lot?

I worked as a contractor for 18 months 8 years ago.

I liked being my own boss and it was quite lucrative.

However, I didnt like the uncertainty as regards where the next piece of work was coming from so returned to contracted positions.

I've been self employed far more than hired. I don't understand why so many people are willing to be wage slaves, which is getting far worse these days. As an independent, I can offer services I am proud of, instead of whatever makes the boss richer.
BTW, working gigs is not independence - you are competing in a labour pool with no bargaining position.
There was a young man who wanted to move from a small town to the city, but he had never had a formal job. However, he had become the go-to guy for local drywall jobs, so he went around and collected a sheaf of reference letters. He answered an ad that said to bring his tools. The foreman looked in his bag, and said "what's that?" pointing to a nondescript grey lump with a power cord. "Oh that's just my radio" the young man answered.
The foreman immediately handed him a slip of paper and asked if he could go work at that address.
The job seeker was astonished that his papers were ignored, and offered them again.
"Anybody with a radio like that has the experience" was the laconic reply.

It is good to keep looking for the next job while working to reduce variability, but after a while, work is likely to come looking for you.