noun
self-employed profession; liberal profession
Refers to occupations where one works independently, such as artists, actors, writers, or consultants, without being employed by a company.
See also: フリーランサー
彼は会社を辞めて自由業を始めた。
He quit his company job and started a self-employed profession.
自由業は収入が不安定なこともある
Income can be unstable in self-employed professions.
自営業 refers to running one's own business (e.g., a shop or restaurant), whereas 自由業 emphasizes professional or artistic independence.
Compound of 自由 (freedom) and 業 (occupation), literally meaning 'free occupation'.