Treat your employer like a relationship. As long as it works, be invested in your job and do your best. If something isn't working (like your comp), man up and have the hard discussion with your employer. If they don't fix it, find another job, but also leave properly - give proper notice, put your work in order, etc.

Don't be paranoid. Don't get into this thing that you're "putting it to the man." Yes, some bosses suck, and some are cheap. Most are just trying to do their job, and most would rather keep you around than lose you.