I'm somewhere between consulting and contracting. Ideally between 6 months and 1 year. My last gig lasted 18 months which was too long, I've also had 8 week stints but those drain you with all the hustling you need to do between jobs.

My partner and I own our own company and optimizing taxes is the main reason why we can afford buying $50k in equipment. That we have similar interests also helps.