They earn their livelihoods from their own independent businesses instead of depending upon an employer to earn a living. Good examples of ICs are professionals with their own practices such as doctors, lawyers, dentists and accountants. Some people seek to become ICs, others have the status thrust upon them. Whichever group you fall into, this article explores what's good and bad about being an IC as compared with being an employee. There are many rewards for being an independent contractor that regular wage earners may never benefit from.
Most ICs bask in the freedom that comes from being in business for themselves.
In short, I enjoy working for myself. The amount of money you make is directly related to the quantity and quality of their work. This is not necessarily the case for employees. ICs don't have to ask their bosses for a raise, they go out and find more work. Moreover, since you're normally not dependent upon a single company for your livelihood, the hiring or firing decisions of any one company don't have the impact on you they have on employees.