Man alive, I have never been a corporate animal. Never, never, ever! I sympathize with people who are counting the days, minutes, seconds when they can throw open the door and say so long to the "man". Yes, I fly solo in the cold cold world. In a way, I'm lucky. Can't be laid off, though my industry was seriously outsourced, with resultant negative impact on me and a few others like me. I've been on the outside as an independent idea resource to corporations from the get go. Frankly, I don't think they would ever hire me. They see me as an oddity, a freak, who has something they need, so they tolerate me. I used to be hurt by that realization. Now that I'm weathered with rings around my trunk, don't care. They'd end up having to fire me for not fitting in, anyway. The lady is a tramp.

Here's what I think is terribly wrong about corporate life and why people want out, and it's not just in order to use your own initiative to earn a bundle. Corporations seem allergic to showing any appreciation for a job well done. Somebody knocks themselves out, achieves the impossible, breaks records, and no accolades? Are they afraid you'll ask for more money? Sometimes it's even worse. They lay you off after you've achieved something remarkable. Now that is surely not based in logic. It's corporate stupidity. Another thing. They manage through fear. Do this or you'll lose your job. What happens if you have an original idea? It's either not recognized, or someone takes it as his/her own. Yes, I've experienced it too, from the outside.

So friends, I support your efforts. Work diligently to achieve freedom. 

This is coming from your WA buddy who understands so well.