I think this is a critical subject for many people here working on consultant jobs, considering a new job or even frustrated with their current compensation. I

I think this is a critical subject for many people here working on consultant jobs, considering a new job or even frustrated with their current compensation. I have known many people to undervalue their contribution and still others who inflate their importance. My simple rules for happy employment: Rule number one: Always remember you work for yourself. Your employer has merely rented your time to complete a task. Time has long passed when an individual could be secure in a lifelong working relationship with a corporation. Get everything you can from your employeer through fair negotiation upfront before you enter into agreement. Do not be afraid to ask. Squeaky hinges get oil. Rule number two: You are worth as much as someone is willing to pay you - no more, no less. Every single conversation regarding compensation should be considered a negotiation. There are no hard and fast rules, only guidelines and suggestions. Rule number three: Never, ever, take the first offer. Sleep on it. Of course, the best employer is you. If you can be your own boss - do it by all means necessary. If you are not at that point yet, that is what rule number one is for. Own what you do for an employer as your own. That way you are the boss every day.