...or simply trading those "rights" for the freedom to be responsible for their own lives. One gives up a lot of freedom to be an employee. That tradeoff might be worth it for some people, and not as much for others.
As an employee I can walk away from my job any time I want and just get another. If I had my own business that would be way harder.
Because of that I feel actually more free and independent as an employee. You just need to make sure to have a good financial buffer so that losing/switching a job won't hurt very much. Then your employer also can't pressure you too much.
You're 100% right about having a buffer, though. That's a pretty immovable prerequisite no matter what your professional situation is.