I'm an 'independant contractor' as a real estate agent. I PAY to be in my office. In fact, I pay rent for my office, charges for my line services, salary to my secretary, portions for the federal pension plan, my own insurance and everything. However, I have absolutely no boss, well at least one that tells me when to show up to work, when to take breaks, when to go home, how much to sell, or anything even remotely like that. I think if you are told a set time to work, and given exact tasks, you are an employee.
That said, money is money, it all spends the same no matter how you make it, and if Peale is okay with the arrangement, who are we to question?