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> I think that's case by case though. Contractors usually do finite focused projects and don't want to be employees. I myself was self-employed for 5 years doin

> I think that's case by case though. Contractors usually do finite focused projects and don't want to be employees. I myself was self-employed for 5 years doing specific contracts as a software engineer. I was "writing code" which is "the same work" as employees. Were all those companies breaking the law? The AB5 law has only been in effect since Jan 1. The federal rules are already very strict. Generally contractors violate them a lot. The law was pushed by IBM to eliminate competition, and the feds incorrectly thought they would get more tax money by making the software contractor industry into employees. It's a sordid tale ending in domestic terrorism and murder: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/us/19tax.html https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/us/19tax.html

aspenmayer 6y ago
I am saddened to be reminded of the story in your link, as I read it at the time it was posted, and was also saddened then. I’m not convinced you have adequately eliminated other potential reasons he may have done the uncharacteristic thing he did. Even if he was in his right mind, I’m not convinced he had anyone’s interest at heart but his own personal one, as jobs are a form of social control. He desired to be free of this control. Even if individual liberty is worth fighting for, the Constitution doesn’t grant you the right to the job you want on the terms you want. That’s what the courts are for. This guy was wrong to do what he did in every way but for the right reasons in a very minor way that is more a matter of principle rather than tax law. No matter his beef, it was just his own, and as such, it doesn’t justify so much as slapping someone’s hand, let alone the stunt he pulled. I do see your point, though I disagree.
- unishark 6y ago
  > I do see your point, though I disagree. I'm not clear what point you are referring to. It's possible for all sides in a story to be wrong in their actions.
  - aspenmayer 6y ago
    I’m ending this conversation for violating HN guidelines about argumentative behavior. Flagged.
    - unishark 6y ago
      Now I'm completely confused. There's an argument going on? Does it involve me?
dragonwriter 6y ago
> The AB5 law has only been in effect since Jan 1 AB5 essentially codified the test the California Supreme Court adopted in Dynamex (April 30, 2018), though.
jquery 6y ago
That story is a perfect encapsulation of the faux-compassion mindset that seeks to stamp out all forms of entrepreneurship, including driving for Uber/Lyft instead of being an employee.

aspenmayer 6y ago

I am saddened to be reminded of the story in your link, as I read it at the time it was posted, and was also saddened then. I’m not convinced you have adequately eliminated other potential reasons he may have done the uncharacteristic thing he did. Even if he was in his right mind, I’m not convinced he had anyone’s interest at heart but his own personal one, as jobs are a form of social control. He desired to be free of this control. Even if individual liberty is worth fighting for, the Constitution doesn’t grant you the right to the job you want on the terms you want. That’s what the courts are for. This guy was wrong to do what he did in every way but for the right reasons in a very minor way that is more a matter of principle rather than tax law. No matter his beef, it was just his own, and as such, it doesn’t justify so much as slapping someone’s hand, let alone the stunt he pulled. I do see your point, though I disagree.

unishark 6y ago
> I do see your point, though I disagree. I'm not clear what point you are referring to. It's possible for all sides in a story to be wrong in their actions.
- aspenmayer 6y ago
  I’m ending this conversation for violating HN guidelines about argumentative behavior. Flagged.
  - unishark 6y ago
    Now I'm completely confused. There's an argument going on? Does it involve me?

dragonwriter 6y ago

> The AB5 law has only been in effect since Jan 1 AB5 essentially codified the test the California Supreme Court adopted in Dynamex (April 30, 2018), though.

jquery 6y ago

That story is a perfect encapsulation of the faux-compassion mindset that seeks to stamp out all forms of entrepreneurship, including driving for Uber/Lyft instead of being an employee.