> I spot-checked some of the companies you listed. Problem is that they're a mix of not remote, have complex applications requiring logins which I assume are big time sinks into black holes, the software jobs aren't in the U.S., they use enterprise technology which is fine but just not my skillset, all that sort of thing.

Personally I don’t think this viewpoint does your point justice. There are jobs, good paying ones. Just the ones you want are less prevalent. Also, I don’t think you would like contract work in this case.

I’m a consultant that works for a firm and the pay is very good. Working no more than 40 hours most weeks. I have a goal of building out my network this way.

Examples of big consulting firms are KPMG, Bain, Accenture, and Cognizant. Alternatively get a start going to recruiting firms like, Michael Page Interim or Hays for contract jobs.