If you could work for yourself, would you work for yourself?

I don't think it's or me. I'm the kind of person that doesn't mind going to the office and having work thrown at me. Being in charge of finding clients and work to do would stress me out.

>and get enough client work

That assumes everyone here is doing some sort of IT/CS type stuff. Many of us aren't.

If I had a liquid net worth between 600k and 1,000,000 USD (sadly, making a little over $17 an hour after 15 years on the job, that's never happening) I could retire. I would then retire and start working for myself. I'd create more YouTube content, I'd write more, I'd get more done on our half acre, I'd try and find 2-10 acres nearby that I could afford and get to within 15 minutes and start some pretty serious permaculture, etc.

I've made this move and couldn't be happier.

I can see how being your own boss is not for everyone, especially when it comes to putting yourself out there to get business. It's not just (or even mainly) about skill, and more of a mindset. There are some tool and tactics you can master, but none of them will help without the courage to actually do the work in practice.

I've not found the negatives you mention to hold true (in my case). If anything, I find it's easier to make an impact when you're not spending your days getting permission.

I've worked from home for ~8 years now, and i'd work for myself no problem - if not for one thing. Lack of stability. If i could have stability i'd do it no problem - i don't mind the isolation. Granted, i still have a social circle at work - even though it's remote work, i don't think i'd mind finding another social circle.

I just don't want a "work for myself" lifestyle that's client to client. Unpredictable, variable, etc. I want to know (as best i can) what my next 12 months will be.

The possibility of a dry spell of clients would keep me up at night.

yes, but without a universal health care in my country I do not see it as realistic. Too many people in my family have had health problems. There is no sufficient safety net to support innovation in America.

The idea that even healthcare being passed could be thrown out as soon as there is a leadership change, means that this would need to sustain itself through a racing change prior to me seeing it as realistic.

I could see finishing out a political term, if these laws were passed sufficiently early

Depends on the type of person you are. If you are ambitious, then why not? But if the upside is capped in any way, then I see no harm in doing regular jobs. It's not just about money, there is safety, perks, social aspect etc.

Yes but I’d have to be quite strict with myself so give regular status updates to myself. Also would be wary that I would end up micromanaging myself.

Yeah I would. I’d love to get a little more control over my own life

> while the negatives are isolation & reduced impact.

Not like I have any meaningful socialization or impact now, working for other people so I still consider it worth it.

I'm already working for myself for past 7 years. It worked out well for me so far in my perception. But I made lots of sacrifices.

Yes, 100%