> One gives up a lot of freedom to be an employee.

As an employee I can walk away from my job any time I want and just get another. If I had my own business that would be way harder.

Because of that I feel actually more free and independent as an employee. You just need to make sure to have a good financial buffer so that losing/switching a job won't hurt very much. Then your employer also can't pressure you too much.

I feel exactly the opposite: I'm independent now, and I can walk away from my current gig without all that much disruption in my life because I don't depend on an employer for benefits or what have you. While I'm not walking away, I've got more flexibility than I might with an employer (depending on the employer).

You're 100% right about having a buffer, though. That's a pretty immovable prerequisite no matter what your professional situation is.

They can trade that right after they change California's labor laws.