suginami,
I currently work for an independent though I have worked for both. Neither is a clear cut winner as far which would be the best to work at. I'm so jaded about this profession that opening my own place is out of the question. The only way I would open my own shop would be to win the lotto. That way I could do it right, and the way it should be done, otherwise I would be a hyprocrite.

And on another note in regard to sflori. I know what you brother is going through.
This profession is physically punishing. You are required to make you body twist and turn in ways in wasn't meant to. Just hanging over fenders for extended periods is tough in itself. Today I had the pleasure of jarring the crap out of my elbows using a slide hammer to remove a rear hub on a BMW. Later on I was so lucky as to be able to do underdash work on a 450SL.

__________________
Scott Diener
89 300E
93 300E
92 Volvo 740 Wagon aka "Mutt mover"