What is a characteristic of an independent contractor?

An independent contractor is characterized primarily by their ability to set their own schedule. This independence in scheduling is a significant factor that distinguishes independent contractors from employees. While employees generally work set hours and have their schedules dictated by their employer, independent contractors have the freedom to determine when they will complete their work, allowing for greater flexibility and control over their time.

Setting their own schedule enables independent contractors to manage their workload and work hours according to their personal preferences or business needs. This autonomy is a fundamental aspect of being considered an independent contractor as it aligns with the broader definition of self-employment, where the individual is often responsible for finding work and managing their time without the constraints placed on traditional employees.

In contrast, characteristics such as receiving employee benefits, working under a fixed salary, or being directly supervised by a manager are typical of traditional employment relationships, where the employer retains significant control over the employee's work conditions and compensation. These features do not apply to independent contractors, who must navigate their own business arrangements and contracts.