What is the primary characteristic of an independent contractor's work?

The primary characteristic of an independent contractor's work is that they perform tasks according to their own means and methods. This autonomy is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes independent contractors from employees. Independent contractors typically have the freedom to determine how to accomplish the work that they have been hired to do, including the choice of tools, processes, and techniques.

This unencumbered approach allows independent contractors to operate as somewhat of their own business, even when engaging with clients or companies. As a result, they are often more flexible in terms of how they manage their time and resources to complete assignments effectively.

In contrast, the other options pertain to elements more characteristic of traditional employment. For example, being under direct supervision from an employer signifies an employee-employer relationship, which would limit the independent status. Similarly, agreeing to work strictly using provided methods further indicates a lack of independence, tying the worker’s productivity to the direct instructions of an employer. The mention of part-time workers across various organizations does not accurately define the independent contractor status, which focuses more on the nature of the work relationship and less on the number of hours worked or the number of clients served.

Therefore, the correct understanding of the primary characteristic of an independent contractor aligns with the idea that they