I am changing from freelance software development to working in a small new consulting group. As part of the transition I may be moving my freelance work (for one client) under the umbrella of this group. It is a small group of developers each working at an hourly rate. Compared to my freelance rate of $80/hr I will only earn $35/hr (of course it's apples-oranges considering taxes & benefits). Still, as I continue to work freelance (for the time being) I realize I will not have much incentive for transitioning these projects to be under my new employer.
Naturally there are benefits to working with a small team (more business coming in, more support, benefits, taxes simplified) and that's why I've taken the position. But after adjusting for taxes & benefits, the value of an hour worked on my old projects will still be quite a bit less. My freelance rate was pretty cushy.
So I'm tempted to keep both lines of work separate unless my new employer can offer some sort of compensation acknowledging the business opportunities I'm bringing to them, and the pay cut I'm immediately taking despite the fact I am essential to the project (my client specifically wants to work with me).
What kind of business arrangements would seem fair to propose to my employer? I am really not savvy on the business side of things and I don't want to be greedy, and I think it is new territory for my employer as well, but just seems that some sort of commission, or stake earned, would be in order if they took over the contract(s) with my client. Any ideas?