Semantics ... Call it what you want, perceive it how you want, but the person writing the check IS your boss ...
If you are working a steady 'gig' or 'job' at a club or NH or whatever and the owner/manager/activity director says "don't come in next week, I've hired someone else", or "I've decided not to use live music", who fired you? did you fire yourself?!?
Sure, you may quit or decide not to continue to play a certain venue, but is that "firing yourself" ?

We may be 'self employed', but we are employed only at the wish of another ...

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Tony LOL !!! I wrote almost the same thning last night and then deleted it afraid that some would misinterpret it. We musicians may think we are the boss but are effected by so others in so many ways. set up over there, turn down, play this, etc. etc.
Good friends of mine just scored a regulare two night gig in a new restaurant on Hilton Head. The owner put in her own sound system. They had to show up ond day at 11AM and she had some guy set the digital mixer for the system the way the owner wanted it. Then its locked !!! They come in, select the setup listed under their name and hit enter, thats it !!! No adjustments for crowd size or noise level etc. no control over their final sound into the room. They are pros and know what they are doing with their sound but are they their own bosses at this place.
Thanks a lot of parience and drive to be a musician.