I worked as a private employee for many years (around 20) and I can understand you because the same percentage (around 35 % )of my salary was held for healthcare and pension. Now I'm a freelance and, to be honest, it's not better. Now I have to pay different kind of bills and fees, but the total percentage for pension and healthcare is around 40 % and, at the end, my salary is less than before (even if I like this kind of job more than that previous one and I really don't want to come back to it ). No words. :(