The concept embodies professional autonomy and self-direction in one’s career. It signifies an individual assuming the roles and responsibilities typically held by an employer. A graphic designer who operates independently, securing clients and managing projects without being on a company’s payroll, provides a concrete example.
This career path offers the potential for increased control over work schedules and project selection, leading to a potentially more fulfilling professional life. Historically, artisans and craftspeople established precedents for such independent operation; current technological advancements and shifts in the labor market have broadened opportunities for individuals to pursue self-employment across diverse industries. The rewards of self-governance is the control of schedule.