As a self-employed person he only gets paid for jobs that he does.

BBC: The mystery of rising employment

The popular image of a self-employed person is the entrepreneur, starting his or her company at their kitchen table.

BBC: UK is underemployed: Should we be surprised?

Take the example of a self-employed person who begin paying into the national pension scheme at age 20 and is now 45.

FORBES: Work Begins on Reforming the National Pension (3)

He might describe himself as a full-time self-employed person but a lot of that time may be spent waiting for the phone to ring.

BBC: The mystery of rising employment

That can be employing workers on day rates, with little stability or security, though it can be more positive than that, appealing to employers and the self-employed person by offering flexibility.

BBC: Behind the Budget challenge

The new law exempts employee contributions from the 25% of earnings limit applied to employer contributions, making a 401(k) ideal for a self-employed person who doesn't earn a lot, but can save a lot.

FORBES: Self-Employment