>I'v been watching the thread for while now, decide
>to step in cautiously..<g>

Ego's seem to be really mello here. I have yet to see anyone slam anything said by another, it's kinda refreshing (compared to some aspects of the 'net).

>After working for AT&T as a programmer/babysitter,
>2 years ago, decided to go out on my own. It was
>the best move I've ever made, well, some days it
>is..<g>

Hmmmm.... "babysitter", I like that, it's all too true sometimes.

>True, no more health benefits, or corporate gym,
>or "company" picnics, cute ball hats and all.

Well it's not all roses. You forgot to mention buzzwords, "team building", anything mentioned by Scott Adams (Dilbert), etc, etc.

>As Scott says, the profits and losses are all mine
>now. No work, no paycheck. Lotta work, lotta
>paycheck. I don't flaunt the independance though.

For me, it's also an aspect of self-reliance. I make my own way through "the world", I kinda like that.

>I don't do "freelance" work. We do contract work