I agree, and I think a large part of this is that people aren't taught one of the most important things in life... how contracts work. I took a business law class that really helped me understand it, and I really berated myself for some of the things I signed in the past in retrospect because I understood finally that a contract is between two parties and you DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN ANYTHING YOU DON'T AGREE TO! Of course you might not get the job, but if they're the kind of people to not let you make any changes to a contract I don't know if I would want to work for them in the first place.
After spending my time in the Marine Corps, where I was basically a slave, I know I will never allow anyone to take advantage of me that much, as I have too much self respect and realize the difference in the contracts.
My tactic is this: I imagine what would a CEO of a fortune 100 do during the employment process? It really makes a difference in how you negotiate things. Also, never forget the power of a good negotiation. (eg: schedule extended time off starting the day of an annual review, and the last thing in the review say you will not be coming back unless some reasonable balance of your demands is made.) The more you value yourself the more others will be willing to value you for too.
After spending my time in the Marine Corps, where I was basically a slave, I know I will never allow anyone to take advantage of me that much, as I have too much self respect and realize the difference in the contracts.
My tactic is this: I imagine what would a CEO of a fortune 100 do during the employment process? It really makes a difference in how you negotiate things. Also, never forget the power of a good negotiation. (eg: schedule extended time off starting the day of an annual review, and the last thing in the review say you will not be coming back unless some reasonable balance of your demands is made.) The more you value yourself the more others will be willing to value you for too.