Update: the new contract job is absolutely perfect for me, and I've already received a "wish we could give you an award" letter from an internal customer. Work in the area is outpacing capacity, and I've shown my ability to get it done quickly (and correctly). I keep asking for more work because I'm pretty much always caught up. A couple of employees have said they expect me to be offered a job if I want it.

I'm still worried about the whole contracting thing, but so far it's great.