The company is small (sub 30 people) and I don't think they are acting in bad faith. I just went back with this:
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Hey <CEO>,
Thanks for getting me the paperwork and for working to accommodate my pre-existing condition (of being a <COUNTRY>ian)!
A little confused though? In my conversation with <CTO> I was offered full-time employment @ $XXX,XXX USD with benefits, vacation, and an equity package.
While I understand that it might not be possible to employ me as an FTE, I hope that we might be able to come to terms that are closer to what was originally offered.
Appreciate the perspective and sorry that that happened to you. There are some red flags, but I don't think this change is in bad faith. They're a small company, and haven't pulled the "you're a risk card". Plus the contract is really simple and open-ended. Just adding a bit more colour...
That would be over double the offer amount!! I don't think that would fly.
I have done some contracting before and my rate is far higher than my employment rate, but it's always been for smaller contracts... not for something that is effectively a full time position.
Note: I think I'm most bummed out about the lack of equity. I know that options are tricky and rarely convert into real lottery tickets (but I still want some skin in the game at this company).
The company is small (sub 30 people) and I don't think they are acting in bad faith. I just went back with this:
---
Hey <CEO>,
Thanks for getting me the paperwork and for working to accommodate my pre-existing condition (of being a <COUNTRY>ian)!
A little confused though? In my conversation with <CTO> I was offered full-time employment @ $XXX,XXX USD with benefits, vacation, and an equity package.
While I understand that it might not be possible to employ me as an FTE, I hope that we might be able to come to terms that are closer to what was originally offered.
I'm free after <TIME> if you'd like to chat!
<SIGN OFF> <PHONE>