@Arthur P. Bloom posted:If you're a fan of freedom, nothing beats BEING your own boss.When the household bills are due, nothing beats HAVING your own boss.
While in reference to doing model train repairs, this is probably true, it's certainly not universally true.
I spent most of my working life as an independent consultant, and I had no problem paying the bills and having enough left over to indulge in a number of frivolous activity like boats, airplanes, and gun collecting. 
The key is working in a field where there's significant demand and the clients expect to pay well to get the talent they need.
However, I agree with most of the comments about working on model trains. With my hobby business doing... you guessed it, train upgrades and repairs, I make a fraction of my former consultant income.
