Outsourcing or in-house IT?

[Scott Ehrlich]

I've been part of the outsourced IT world for the past year or so.   I
have found contracting a unique experience.

My current contract _may_ be ending around summer 2006, thus I am
contemplating what to do next, where, and when.

I opted to visit finance.yahoo.com tonight to check on one popular agency,
and found a WSJ pay-for title called "Computer Outsourcing Deals Fall".  I
do not have a subscription, so I could not read the article, but I still
found the title fascinating.

As an aside, my wife has a great permanent job, has been with her employer
for more than five years, and has great benefits, along with good pay.
Thus, benefits are not of immediate concern for me.

I went on an interview recently for a direct-hire position and am hoping
for a callback for a second visit.  If all goes well, I expect to give
notice where I am now before the contract expires.  But, if the first
visit became the only one...

What is the pulse of this group on the outsourcing vs direct-hire in-house
trend of desktop support/help desk (non server/non 24x7) needs for
both non and for-profit organizations?

With some time to try and make the best, most educated choice possible for
myself, and possibly to help others on the list who may also wonder the
same things as I, what are the insights of list members?

As an fyi, I happen to live in the Boston area, near the T, and have a
reliable car.

Thanks for any and all feedback.

Scott