Try for something like Google's 20% time? You work for four days a week on what they say, then work the other day on whatever you want. Or three and two. It works out well for everyone if they want you to do interesting things, and if they don't you still get to do what you think is most important or fun some of the time.

Oh sure, I expect to work nearly all the time. I just want less time that I have to answer the phone. It is still win-win.