Ah, ok. Yes, you're right then I'm probably not making "worthwhile contractor fees" then. We're pretty frugal considering we're a family of four living in a very nice part of our city.

However we also live in one of the cheapest areas of the U.S. So my rates would probably be seen as a pittance in any globally relevant metropolitan area.

Also this is certainly not the type of engagement the OP was talking about, I just thought I'd offer up a counter-point that you can also make a decent living contracting and not have a niche.

Or rather, make a living in an economic niche instead of a technical one (but still with technical skills).