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.