There is a long list of pros and cons when you run your own business. In fact that list is so long (mostly pros in my opinion), it would take me 5 hours to build a blog post around it. From a business perspective, there is one thing that really puts spring in my step, (or adrenaline in my code slinging). And that one thing is happy customers. You just can't beat it with a stick. When there are established organizations that are happy to pay for services; that probably serves as the best form of professional affirmation I can think of. I am immeasurably thankful for the word of mouth (my one and only marketing campaign), and the clients who turn into happy customers. Finance departments cut check after check after check. To stop and handwrite "Thanks Matt!" is like an early Christmas present.