Contract work. I don't take contracts that aren't worth my time and my time is very valuable to me. When my clients blush at my cost, which they sometimes do, I point out that they are welcome to measure my output however they like and to cancel the contract at any time. Most new clients come from word of mouth, which of course is a position of privilege, but not that hard if you do great work.

I think you're generally right that it's difficult to find salaried positions that are properly compensated.