... the person writing the check IS your boss ...
SO not true. The relationship between two contracted parties is a delicate balance of respect, and service. Life, itself needs balance, and business is no different.
I provide a service, and clients pay for it. If they choose not to pay, then the balance is upset. The respect is lost, and something must be addressed. In all my years of of employment, I can count on one hand the times that I was on the loosing end of a bargain. There is no way to guarantee any job, no matter how sanctioned , or seemingly secure. Tenure, seniority, partnerships ... all can be dissolved. Huge businesses go bankrupt. CEOs get canned. As a sole proprietor, my job is more secure than any other ... because I have the best HR rep in the biz, and he's always got my back.
Dave, Everything you said above is absolutely true, and i always respect your opinions
However, it does not dismiss my point that when someone tells me - for WHATEVER reason - that I am not working at that venue anymore, I have been FIRED. I did not fire myself, someone else fired me, and at that point, that person is the "boss" because I do not control that situation ... And it may not have anything to do with a lack of respect between the parties or anything else ...
Saying that no one can fire me but myself just isn't true
IMHO (and perhaps the opinion of a few others on this board) ...
When I can hire MYSELF, and PAY myself, then I will truly be 'self-employed' and I will be the "boss" ... until then, we will have to agree to
DISagree ...