Earlier quoted context omitted.
For the most part, a developer shouldn't be in a poor bargaining position by the time a contract is on the table. They've invested time and money into you. They want to hire you. This is where you stake out your claim.
And we should never be coerced into death marches. But it still happens in reality. The offer of a contract might bolster one's bargaining position a tiny amount, but usually it is still dwarfed by the huge power the company still wields. Especially if one is in the position where they really need the job. If you're unemployed, then you have no bargaining power, regardless of whether they're offering you a contract o…
I see what the problem is. I can read it in your tone. You only have no bargaining power if you think you have no bargaining power. I successfully negotiated up $15000 (to $60000) with paid relocation on my very first dev job. I was unemployed for nine months (in which time I masted a rather obscure framework) and coming from a background in sales. It seems being quite good in sales has helped me where other developers fail: bargaining.