You’re Not “Self-Employed”

For the past almost-decade, I’ve checked the “self-employed” box lots of time: when opening bank accounts, on lease applications for apartments, and it’s how the IRS sees me.

But it’s a lie. I’m not “self-employed.”

Nobody is.

You’re employed by whomever pays you to work. Your employers are your clients, customers, patrons, or whatever you call the people giving you money that enables you to put food in mouth and roof above head.

If you’re a graphic designer, your employers are the clients...