Joe...

regarding self-sufficiency >>

The phrase "as much as possible" is key here. Yes you need some way to make money. No doubt. It's how you do it that can make or break your creative spirit. A lot of people I know work for advertising agencies (my family business is one, and I consulted mostly for agencies & production places). They're all wanna-be creativists who have to keep a "real job" that usually has a "produce or else" environment.

Would you consider someone who made his entire income from software he has distributed as shareware (and actually gets money back for it) self-sufficient?

Regardless of whether this case qualifies... I'm for self-employment. It's tough (believe me... this summer sucked), but you can't beat it.

With new technology like faxes, computers, car phones, etc..., more people can work wherever they like, for themselves. This is a trend that's countering the corporate-slot-dependency lifestyle, and I like it.

There's also the emotional side, which many people have trouble with.
I for one cherish those that I love, but the point is... don't rely.

Tim