The majority of people in Futures, Trends, and Foresight are independent. Business owners by definition face more risk, and some of us are natural risk takers. The concept of risk is neutral; it can mean either the opportunity for gain or the opportunity for loss. And while we tend to focus on the gains of being independent, i.e., greater flexibility and variety, and the opportunity to make bank, it's equally important to look at the potential for loss associated with being a contractor. Thinking about risk is essential because it impacts how we price our services, which jobs we accept or reject, and how we plan for our future.