I feel exactly the opposite: I&#x27;m independent now, and I can walk away from my current gig without all that much disruption in my life because I don&#x27;t depend on an employer for benefits or what have you.  While I&#x27;m not walking away, I&#x27;ve got more flexibility than I might with an employer (depending on the employer).<p>You&#x27;re 100% right about having a buffer, though.  That&#x27;s a pretty immovable prerequisite no matter what your professional situation is.