I've been self-employed for over 30 years. For most of that time, ran a crew between four and ten guys. In the previous recessions I always had plenty of work although my crew was smaller and it was pretty much job to job. This winter is the first time ever that there were times I had no work. Over the last three years, I have no crew, just my son and I. I love it when people imply that because you have enough "hair" to have your own business you must be rich.
Granted, I can not be laid off but it can get so competitive with downward pricing caused by illegal immigration and scarcity of work. Then throw in the laid off factory workers doing small projects to boot. I'm fortunate, I have virtually no debt except, of course, current business accounts and taxes.