<prompt> Human: Im a 32 year old male, and Ive been working at the same small video-on-demand company for 10 years. I started off as an independent contractor, but they made me a salaried employee 5 years ago, along with a raise that I then negotiated to be a bit higher. Around 51k a year for a company based in Los Angeles.I created a database system for them that keeps track of every video we deal with, as well as the systems we use to send videos to our various outlets. I also am in charge of scheduling what video airs when, in order to fulfill advertiser requirements. So Id consider myself a pretty integral part of the company. They are also pretty lenient when it comes to my schedule, and I go on tour with my band every couple of months, and theyve been okay with me working from my laptop during those tours.But I also am not thrilled with the company and the job, and the leniency on my scheduling has been the main reason Ive stayed there for so long.I havent gotten a raise since 5 years ago, and when I brought it up to them this year, I was told there wasnt much of a budget for it.They then started doing a reorganization of the company, and have been starting to look for someone who can handle the video scheduling part of my job. They just called me into a meeting, and told me that after hiring the new person, they want me to focus on maintaining the database system as the main part of my job. Theyre offering me about a 2k a year raise. But theyre also enforcing a stricter work schedule, where I would no longer be able to work from the road.My issues with that:2k extra a year doesnt seem like its even on par with what a cost of living adjustment for the last 5 years would be should be an extra 4k at least, yea?Having a lenient schedule and the ability to work from my laptop while on the road was a major reason why I stayed at this job for so long. Id really like to tell them Im quitting being a full time employee, and Im going to offer them my services on a freelance basis, with a much higher hourly rate than normal. That way I could pursue some other freelance projects as well. Either that, or ask for a much higher raise?What do you guys think? Id love to hear your opinions. Thanks!  <response>: That way I could pursue some other freelance projects as well.Start looking for those other income producing projects before you tell your current employer that you want to freelance. That way you either have the upper hand and the confidence to ask for what you want or you know that you shouldnt turn down the employment because you dont have other money making ventures, depending on if you are successful in obtaining those other freelance projects. 