It has occurred to me that being in IT is possibly one reason I can do this, but otoh I have noticed that companies increasingly want to "commoditise" IT workers, so repeatedly low-ball their offers until they get someone who is willing to work for low pay and goodwill. I must admit, that has sometimes been me, but it won't happen again ;) Also, I have been in situations where I needed work, and I think now it would have helped if I had adopted my current strategy. It's a bit like dating: look too needy, get neglected. Look confident, people think you're worth having.