There are so many factors in who gets paid what. Some of it is fair (like more pay for high demand services or lots of experience), some seems unfair (people paid to do very little, CEO making >100 times more than average, or just that some lucky people get in on the ground floor out of sheer luck). But, as I hear often "Life is not fair, get over it".
When it comes to doing business, your life situations effect your choices. I am semi-retired and consult on the side, so it is more of hobby than a means to supporting a lifestyle. I prefer to work on fixed price contracts, as I prefer not to count or justify hours. I have found that I prefer using a firm (upworks) to act as escrow between me and my clients (although I do choose to work with some former clients direct once we have established a mutual trust). I have had good success working in this manner. I tend to me a little more amendable to accommodating client changes, as long as these do not too crazy (unforeseen changes do occur).
Whatever you choose to do, remember that skill and experience are the most important things that you have to offer and no matter how skilled you are you might not land in a big pot of money. You may at times bring more to the table, but others most likely got there in front of you and will be getting a large share because of that. Being early to the party (like in a startup) can be beneficial, but also very risky.
There are so many factors in who gets paid what. Some of it is fair (like more pay for high demand services or lots of experience), some seems unfair (people paid to do very little, CEO making >100 times more than average, or just that some lucky people get in on the ground floor out of sheer luck). But, as I hear often "Life is not fair, get over it".
When it comes to doing business, your life situations effect your choices. I am semi-retired and consult on the side, so it is more of hobby than a means to supporting a lifestyle. I prefer to work on fixed price contracts, as I prefer not to count or justify hours. I have found that I prefer using a firm (upworks) to act as escrow between me and my clients (although I do choose to work with some former clients direct once we have established a mutual trust). I have had good success working in this manner. I tend to me a little more amendable to accommodating client changes, as long as these do not too crazy (unforeseen changes do occur).
Whatever you choose to do, remember that skill and experience are the most important things that you have to offer and no matter how skilled you are you might not land in a big pot of money. You may at times bring more to the table, but others most likely got there in front of you and will be getting a large share because of that. Being early to the party (like in a startup) can be beneficial, but also very risky.
