Senior ML engineer in Canada faces tough decision on first offer after 5-month job search: 20% below posted range with contract-to-hire structure

Senior ML/CV engineer with 5-6 years experience and Master's in CS received first offer after three months of active job searching following burnout-driven departure from remote startup

Offer from pre-seed healthcare AI startup is 20% below the posted salary range with a 3-month contract-to-hire structure rather than full-time position

Role involves interesting work aligned with candidate's background and strong team, but US-based company and Canada location creates contractor tax implications

Candidate concerned that accepting could pause search momentum, but facing pressure from five months without income and limited recent offer activity