Harold:

I've been an infrequent visitor of late, so am tardy in congratulating you.

I was a corporate employee for 28 years, and have worked as an independent person for six now. The balance is always hard, but it's hard for the corporation as well -- as any corporate employee will recognize. Neither is "better" than the other, objectively -- it's more the match between the individual and the position. I'm always trying to refine what it is I do in ways that make sense both to me and to potential clients.

Maintain your optimism; it serves you well.