My work-contract is getting renegotiated in about 3 weeks. I've been preparing a little, by writing down what I would like to get, with my negotiable vs non-negotiable demands. I've also made a little list of things accomplished vs things I'd like to develop/improve in the near future.

It's a little nerve-wracking because the hiring process was a bitch, and they made me wait crazy long before giving an answer. I don't want to be working in limbo past my contract until we agree to the new terms. I also want to be paid 25$/hour (vs my current 20$) - the salary I've asked for initially 6 months ago. I don't really want to leave for money affairs, since I actually don't really need the money. But I feel it's a question of respect and self worth. My side-gig literally doubled my salary to 50$/hour when I told them I was leaving. I know I do good work and it will be hard to find someone as competent and committed as I am. But it's also the only job I feel like doing at the moment, and 20$ is better than 0$. I think they know that, so I'm scared we'll end up in an ultimatum-type stuck negotiation situation.

But time will tell! My cousin works in HR and has agreed to help me position myself the right way, and be proactive in my contract re-signing, and giving me ideas of "benefits" I could ask for to soften the blow. I guess I can agree to be paid less in exchange for a shitton of vacation time...