An independent contractor is a person who performs work or services for another person or company, for pay, but who is not employed by that person or company. The term itself is intended to convey the status of the individual as an independent worker who is a party to a contract for specific work (rather than a contract for employment), the performance of which is not controlled or supervised by the party requesting the service or work. As in any contract, there is no control of the physical conduct of the worker; only the end result (i.e., the fruit of the worker’s labor) is accepted or rejected. For example, persons who hold themselves out as “consultants” are often retained by companies “independent contractors” who will provide expertise and assistance without actually being employed by the company requesting their expertise.