I think the article is a little off-base too even if I generally agree with the title. The fact is that although it takes time and effort to get going, working for yourself, as part of a flexible team is something I don't think one can trade for anything.
The open source world is becoming one where the aggregate weight of independent developers is way larger than the weight of corporate contributions (as critical as those may be in some areas). I'd hence say "you don't have to come up with ideas. Get a few customers and see what they need!"
In the end, working for yourself gives you important things you cannot get from any company. These include:
1) Once mature, most businesses fail gracefully. You wont get laid off and so you get more economic security than you would otherwise.
2) Freedom: You can always fire any of your bosses (we call them "customers") if they cause you too much trouble.
3) Strength in negotiation means higher wages
4) You can integrate your work and family life in ways others can't. You can set your own hours and move them around however it works best.
The economy is healthiest when there are more self-employed individuals around and fewer employers or employees, for obvious reasons. As was once said, "too much capitalism does not mean too many capitalists, but too few."
The open source world is becoming one where the aggregate weight of independent developers is way larger than the weight of corporate contributions (as critical as those may be in some areas). I'd hence say "you don't have to come up with ideas. Get a few customers and see what they need!"
In the end, working for yourself gives you important things you cannot get from any company. These include:
1) Once mature, most businesses fail gracefully. You wont get laid off and so you get more economic security than you would otherwise.
2) Freedom: You can always fire any of your bosses (we call them "customers") if they cause you too much trouble.
3) Strength in negotiation means higher wages
4) You can integrate your work and family life in ways others can't. You can set your own hours and move them around however it works best.
The economy is healthiest when there are more self-employed individuals around and fewer employers or employees, for obvious reasons. As was once said, "too much capitalism does not mean too many capitalists, but too few."