The question is, if you make up a job for yourself and pay...

The question is, if you make up a job for yourself and pay yourself from your savings, is it really a job?

On the one hand, it may look good on paper, give you a sense of worth, and keep you out of mischief.

But on the other hand, it is simply an accounting trick, and will only last for as long as your savings do (or your capacity to take on debt).

This is the problem we are currently faced with, as most of the 'recovery' has been tax/self funded.

Hence, the lack of wage and inflation pressures in the economy, IMO.