If I look at some of the people I know and my own experience, can say that consulting folks get a better deal, when working for Western companies. Also it works out better, from a work from home perspective. As local companies, even if pay as well, have the the mindset of asking you to work from their facilities.

But local Startups typically are more flexible, with sites like HasGeek[1] showcasing some of the more suitable jobs from a work-from-home/free lancing perspective.

Now to answer the question of interesting work. That depends of course. One tends to pick up consulting work on some overall factors like rate etc. In my case consulting work was mainly to support my product. (Thankfully now product is in a shape, that it can support itself. So past few months I've had the luxury of working on my own stuff). And so the work I do, thankfully, looks very interesting to me.

Thanks for asking.

[1] https://hasjob.co/

edit: minor