Reply #6: I don't freeze-up completely, but I really hate confrontation.

[dawg]

Back when I was an employee, it was much, much worse. I felt helpless, and didn't really feel like anything I did short of 100% dedication to the employer was going to make them happy.

And I know we're supposed to give 100% all the time anyway. But that sometimes means putting them above your family and your own happiness and peace of mind. I've never been really good at that. It makes me feel exploited, and I'm not willing to trust that somewhere down the line all that hard work will be rewarded. I'm old enough to know that sometimes they can just arbitrarily give you the shaft.

I'm much happier being self-employed, even though the money isn't as good.