Possible Clues:

• Self-employed getting weapon for nothing
• Independent swimmer has reached Calais?
• Of journalist, one who works for several employers, self-employed
• Fish in the country, not regularly employed
• Independent source of electricity, perhaps, in country
• Work on spec, perhaps
• Swimmer in the country is not under contract
• Medieval mercenary rejecting shelter in country
• Mercenary knight let off weapon
• Catching fish in the country, without regular work?