Before I comment, I want to clarify. I'm not trying to come across like a jerk. I certainly think there are things about the current system of employment that

Before I comment, I want to clarify. I'm not trying to come across like a jerk. I certainly think there are things about the current system of employment that can improve. But you can negotiate what you get. I stand by the statement that you don't always get what you want, but you can compromise with an employer and meet in the middle. Digging your heels in (like unions often do) isn't very productive. If you don't like the terms, you can look for employment elsewhere, right? One other thing to consider... remove the gatekeeper/middleman. By that, I mean work for yourself. It's not easy, but you have more flexibility to charge what you want, and go after the things that are important to you, in your work. In addition to working for yourself, I'd like to add that having multiple streams of income, even small, can give you a greater degree of freedom.