ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the problems and advantages of self-employed teleworking in the study areas. Self-employment more generally has been associated with particular individualistic attitudes termed the 'philosophy of self-employment', emphasising flexibility, autonomy, choice and freedom in the work process. Certainly, the advantages of'being one's own boss' were expressed universally amongst the respondents with benefits typically stated in relation to the previous negative experiences of working within an organisation. As for self-employment, dominant feelings of autonomy, control and flexibility were accompanied by feelings of insecurity engendered by the short-term nature of sub-contracting, although these latter feelings were predominantly psychological. The long hours and stresses of self-employment were often compensated by feelings of control over the situation and that work effort was directly proportional to revenue. Although it has been claimed that social isolation is a considerable problem facing home-based teleworkers, social isolation was only mentioned by a few respondents as a significant problem.
