Recently, a friend of mine asked me about the benefits of going independent vs. staying at his full-time job.  It seems there have been a lot of posts by people lately about about the benefits of being an independent contractor.  These charlatans make it sound like independent contracting is like having a perpetual orgasm in Orgasmtown.   I'm now here as your trusted voice of honesty to try and correct this horrible misconception; in fact, I am going to tell you some of the reasons why you'd *never* want to leave your full-time job.

You make more money as an independent consultant than as a full-time employee.

At first glance, this looks like a benefit, but it really isn't.  You don't want to be able to save money towards your retirement or afford a nice vacation once in a while; after all, does that build any character?  No, what you want is to be making 50%-200% less per year as a full-time employee.  This goes even further if you have any semblance of talent - everyone loves the feeling that they are being woefully underpaid for the work they are currently doing, because they know this struggle will make them a better person.  

You don't pay as much income tax.

Depriving the government of their hard-earned income tax money is *wrong*.  If the government wasn't able to take 30-40% of your money from income tax *before* you ever even get a hold of it, how would it survive?  Do the right thing and support your provincial/federal governments.  

In addition, you get a ton of tax breaks.  Many "benefits" that companies will offer you are actually tax-deductible, so you get the tax break instead of your company getting it instead.

Oh, sure, being able to write off computers, technical development books, your internet connection, conferences, the gym, etc. as a business expense sounds like a wonderful perk of being indepedent.  But it's *too much* for the average person to keep track of!  Wouldn't you rather be limited by the list of benefits that your full-time company provides?  Your company is what's keeping you employed; not your intrinsic talent or passion for software development.  Obviously there are *no* jobs out there for talented and passionate developers - your company has done you a favor by employing you! So why not pay back the company and give *it* the tax break instead? 

In fact, sometimes your company will go the extra mile and tell you openly that they are paying you less than a contractor *because* of the benefits they're getting a tax break on!  How can you leave that kind of honesty unrewarded?

You and only you decide when you are taking holidays.

Who wants the hassle of getting complete freedom to take vacation pretty much whenever you like, without anyone's approval?  Besides, the company knows better than you when you should take your vacation - they've been approving vacation time for years!! 

You can take a lot more than two-three weeks vacation if you want to - your vacation time is your own choice.

TOO MUCH STRESS.  If you're not working, you're not *living*.  Who wants to take the time out for a trip to Hawaii or even just a month to recharge?  Sure, some people would tell you that they use this time off for personal development and learning new skills but they are liars - everyone who takes more than two weeks vacation time is a slacker.  Do *YOU* want to be a slacker?

You don't work unpaid overtime.

Working 60-80 hours a week and only getting paid for 40 of those hours is a reward in itself. You have *sacrificed* to put your company on the map!  As an independent, companies are contractually required to pay you for OT, so many times they are reluctant to do so.  And if they're reluctant, then how will you get a chance to heroically show them how you're willing to cut your hourly rate in half or more  just so you can accomplish a completely unrealistic schedule?

These are just some of the many problems that come up as an independent consultant; hopefully the list above is sufficient to scare you away from a lifestyle of freedom, flexibility, and financial fortune.  So don't be a masochist like me!!  Snuggle up with the wonderful "security" that full-time employment provides today!!