I've been offered a role at a high-end furniture shop as an independent contractor and will be receiving a 1099 form. I've built my career in this field, working at various prestigious shops on both coasts, but I've always been a W2 employee until now. I'm curious if anyone who's worked as an independent contractor in a shop with set hours can share their experiences. Is it worth the switch? What additional responsibilities and costs come with being self-employed? From what I've gathered, it might not even be legal to classify this type of work as independent contracting. Any insights from fellow woodworkers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
If you aren't able to set your own prices and hours, you might not really be an independent contractor. This might just be a way for the shop to minimize their costs on skilled labor. Just be cautious about taking that kind of position.
Typically, independent contractors need to have the flexibility to work elsewhere and choose their own schedules. In my experience in the home inspection field, it really helps employers reduce costs, especially when it comes to workers' comp and unemployment insurance. I had a buddy who played guitar for a famous band and was a 1099 worker; it can be common in many industries! Just check with a good CPA for the current requirements, as they may have changed over time.
I spent 7 years working as a 1099 in high-end furniture shops. You will have to handle self-employment taxes, but you can offset some of that with deductions. The biggest downside I faced was being ineligible for unemployment benefits during tough times like COVID. It seems to be a common setup in smaller shops, although bigger ones often stick to W2—it might just depend on the type of work.
Right, sounds like the smaller shops like that structure more. Just be careful!