It's nothing short of soul sucking when you give something your best shot and find yourself feeling undervalued and unappreciated anyhow... I think it is illuminating how many studies have shown that just basic employee appreciation can have MASSIVE effects on a company's productivity and profit margins.

I hope you find a balance between self-employment/contracting and a traditional gig that brings you joy and prosperity. It's awesome that you recognize the need for such things; so many of us rot away at a job we hate until retirement. Why stuff all of our hard work into some jerk's pockets?