at the moment I freelance and work from home. Sometimes I work while travelling. I kid myself that I'm free, but really I work evenings and weekends. Some of my white-collar-joe friends might feel trapped, but at the weekend they are drinking beer in a sunny pub garden while I'm in front of my mac! That's why I say "perceived".

My ultimate goal is to not rely on client work, that's when I'll feel free. i.e. take the afternoon to go kitesurfing or something without worrying about being available to freelance clients.