I have worked freelance since the last millennium...oh ok 1999. Anyway, I have dealt with many people running their own companies, working freelance, temps and permanent employees. The ones who are truly successful, read satisfied, are the ones who find a way of working that matches their personality especially when considering whether it aligns with their aversion to risk. If you are not a risk taker at all then maybe the security (stop laughing) of a permanent job is best for you. Having said that, if you are a complete risk taker some people will not take you seriously in business if they are aware of it.

It's simply down to preferences and skill set i.e. what way to you want to work and do you have the ability to do it.