Definitly speak to an accountant. Self employed means more paperwork like tax & vat returns if you're a sole trader, even more if its a company. Self employed can lose out on worker protections. Its better for the company who dont have to pay annual leave or public holiday pay, redundancy if they decide they dont need you any more. They save on paying employers contributions for prsi & the state lose that welfare contribution. If you want to start a business, work for anyone you choose, bill clients at a rate you decide to cover holiday time & all your costs, & make a profit, then its a good idea as you call the shots so to speak. Companies who call employees independent contractors & are still controlling the terms are doing it to cut costs & are shafting people.