work for yourself and create your own company /close corporation etc and become a contractor ... if they want to reduce your hours ...

then, there are no benefits etc, but the hourly rate increases to compensate for this

get a very good clever accountant, and get your own private medical aid, etc and your accountant will juggle the figures and screw the system to your advantage

if you are good at your job, the company will need you to work longer hours .... if you are shit, find another profession as if you are not worth the money paid to you, the company will dump you

this is how the skilled people in South Africa operate and I worked that way (as a close corporation) for more than 20 years....

it actually works out much better, as your take home pay after taxes and expenses is a lot more

I will never work as an 'employee' again, and even here in the UK, I work for myself