Re: WHY DID THE ABUSE FOLLOW ME AFTER LEAVING FI ?
I would venture to say that it's the fact that you have been willing to do anything and don't say 'No' every now and then that puts you into a disadvantaged position.

I've come to learn that growing up in TF made me feel like I had to take on everyone's problems and do anything that was asked of me and that not doing so was being selfish. But the fact is, it's good to be selfish sometimes. Especially when you have other people who depend on you (wife, kids, etc.).

I've had to learn to say, "That's not my problem and I don't have the time to fix it right now. But I'll gladly fix it if I can be compensated for my time/effort."

If you feel you are worth more to the company than you are getting paid, then you need to be selfish and ask for a raise or decline a request unless you are compensated better for the time you will be spending on it. When you are an employee, it's all about leverage and using that leverage to negotiate what you earn.

How much would your company have to pay if they had to replace you? How many people would they need to replace you with? Can the job you are doing also be done by others in your company who earn as much as or less than you do?

Remember, you don't get paid what you're worth. You get paid what you negotiate.

Of course, there's a balance and loyalty to your company and being willing to pitch in occasionally if help is needed is never a bad thing. But the bottom line is, that no matter what company you work for, you will always work for Jason Inc., and if Jason Inc. is not benefiting from a partnership with your current employer, then it's time to renegotiate or look for another partner.

That's great advice, WalkerJ. It took me years before I understood that fully.

Thanks for the advice and by the way....
I appreciate the good advice and will try to apply it in the future.I thought I would just let you know about my situation right now.I was just fired from a company I had been with for 12 years for no good reason other than me refusing to take anymore abuse from the owner.It is a long story but I have a huge lawsuit in progress against them for "WRONGFUL TERMINATION" and "FAILURE TO PAY OVERTIME " for hours worked.The suite may take some time if it ends up going to trial but my attorney is very confident I will win .The amount of compensation that would be paid to me could be anywhere from $75,000 to $ 200,000.Hopefully I win and justice will be served for a change.Thanks again for your thoughts.
Sincerely Jason