I think I've got a better picture of what you're saying: start thinking and acting like a contractor and treat my client as just that, a client.

Before I got this client I was earning 33K USD a year (high for my country). When I got this job offer I asked for a figure - despite my best efforts for them to give me one - and they came back with an offer of 20% more. Of course I was over the moon so didn't consider how competitive my salary was. I figured I'd easily get any health insurance I wanted for me and my family. Fast-forward one month and we have the cancer diagnosis and the bills start coming in.

I will look into this topic with other freelancers. I need to find out freelancers hang out online and learn from their experience.

You've been a great help, I appreciate the time you've put into these responses.