Historically, many people chose to create their own jobs by becoming entrepreneurs.  The United States was once considered "the land of opportunity" because there were few restrictions on those who wanted to start their own business.

Today, licensing laws prevent many people, especially the disadvantaged, from creating their own jobs, especially in their homes.  I rented apartments to a couple of women who were supporting themselves and forced on to welfare by these laws.

One was sewing curtains in her apartment for businesses.  Another watched children who lived in adjacent apartments. Neither business created extra traffic.

The city government hounded these women because they didn't have a business license and their apartments weren't zoned for commercial activities.  They even called me and asked me to evict them, which I refused to do.  When I asked them how they thought these women would get by without an income, they simply said, "They should be on welfare anyway." Eventually, the women, terrified by the threats from the city, ended up on the dole.