Yeah, so there are always trade-offs that an individual would have to make. Freelancers get freedom and flexibility, but they take a bit of a pay cut for it (as

Yeah, so there are always trade-offs that an individual would have to make. Freelancers get freedom and flexibility, but they take a bit of a pay cut for it (as in the form of 401(k), like you mentioned). This might be a more optimal outcome for a particular individual with a particular set of circumstances. And it IS possible for a freelancer to charge way more and get way better clients than an average salaryman, but that requires being able to deliver superior results. That's a responsibility that few people seem to be willing to take. The central thing about either side of the fence is– nobody owes us anything, and it's up to us as individuals to negotiate for the conditions that we want.