Right now, being an independent contractor means nothing. I live in California, where Governor Newsom enacted AB5, which eliminated such jobs. I used to write for the educational market (text books, tests, student support materials, etc.).

I’m no longer employable as an independent contractor after 18+ years of experience. This was my chosen way of making a living for which I have become eminently qualified. Now, I’m on a Social Security pittance with no means of making more.