In our rapidly changing world, I think the only relatively SAFE job is being self-employed.

I live in NH and work as a self-employed remodeler/contractor.  

NOT A LAWYERIMO it sounds like his employer is trying to get out of paying him and using the "$1500 in damages" to keep him from pressing the issue.

. Employ successful marketing strategies using web, print and social media outlets.Achievements:CEO/AgentPaula Stewart & Associates, Inc.February 2004 – December 2009 (5 years 11 months)Responsibilities: Manage and operate real estate offices, handling associated business details. Negotiate sales contracts to include: price, settlement details, and other closing terms. Research properties for sale, to include: location, description, and financing options. Maintain knowledge of real estate law, local economies, fair housing laws, and government programs.Achievements:Sales AgentPrudential Texas RealtyMarch 2005 – December 2006 (1 year 10 months)Responsibilities: Represented clients in rental, purchase, and sales transactions. Conducted thorough market research specific to client’s needs. Negotiated conditions of sale, and executed real estate contracts.Achievements:Sales AgentCentury21 Capital Realty Inc.July 2002 – December 2004 (2 years 6 months)Responsibilities: Display commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties to clients and explain their features. Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price. Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.

I am currently working as a Legal Assistant for an Employment and Labor Law Firm and Luis is retired.

I felt this was also the right choice because I've always wanted to be self employed and am only going to school for an education (you'd think is the only case to attend but it's far from so in my era).

I do buy and hold, which causes more stress to my employer seeing as how I no longer need overtime.

Employ a license electrician for all your electrical work.

@Stan Hopp, generally the rental income from investment properties is considered to be passive (you need active, earned self-employed income) - therefore it will not quality for contributions into a retirement plan.

I am currently employed at a pretty goodfull time job, live in an apartment and have a poor credit score (its building up every month though), and recently got really interested in real estate.