What were some disadvantages of being an artisan in the medieval times

To become an artisan, a youth was required to be an Apprentice, with no pay, for several years. Once he'd served his apprenticeship, he spent more years as a Journeyman, earning wages. But he would spend even further years and then pay a hefty fee to become a Master: he essentially had to give up his youth to master his trade.

The answer is forindependence.