I don't really see that much of a difference. Working "for yourself" just means you deal with clients directly. You still have to work to make other people happy before you can be happy. They will only pay you as much as they need to, and collect the benefits your work brings them. True, working harder or better lets you have more enjoyable work or earn more. On the other hand, when working for others, working harder or better earns you promotions or allows you to change jobs or employers to more enjoyable or better paying. Where exactly is the difference?