Based on your financial expertise, provide your response or viewpoint on the given financial question or topic. The response format is open.

What are the risks & rewards of being a self-employed independent contractor / consultant vs. being a permanent employee?
In the current economy there is no upside to working for yourself.  Get in a salaried position as soon as you can, and sacrifice to whatever gods you worship that you don't get made redundant. If you're already working for yourself, and wouldn't give it up for anything, hire someone, and get them off the street.