I worked two 3-month contract terms before being hired permanently at my consulting engineering firm. The only sucky thing is that my net income went down 20% with the premium wage I earned while on contract combined with employee portion of benefits to pay for. But it's nice I have very good benefits now and some job stability, and they pay for medical premium which reduces that 20% to 13%.
I had an interview for a city job last year. I had no idea who I had to impress more, the union supervisor or the non-union manager. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.
I'll take RRSP matching over pensions anyday. I prefer having control over my retirement savings. I know what I need to contribute to live a modest life beyond 65, have enough for a couple of vacations a year.