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I've done freelancing and have worked remotely as an employee. Though the former brought in more money (which is heavily dampened by the increased tax and loss of various benefits), I so loathe the administrative hassles that I'd gladly take half the overall pay in order to avoid it.

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I don't know where you live but consulting agencies usually also offer payrolling: they manage all the admin/tax/pension stuff and charge less than 10%. Some even charge a flat rate (I paid about 120% of a single day's wage, but I've heard of people paying 80% or so).

I'd be interested to know where you've seen this. The consulting agencies I've seen will typically bill $90 - $100 an hour, and then give you $50 an hour. This comes with 2 weeks PTO and 5 holidays. The rest of the time you better be billable. Sick days are not factored in.

Also, the health insurance is bundled in to the compensation package, and if you don't need it, they're not going to increase your salary.

When you say "charge less than 10%", do you mean to say that if they bill the client $100/hr, that you will get $90/hr ?

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