EIN or Social Security # on W-9??

Hi. I'm booking my first corporate gig and need to give them a W-9. I'm already self-employed in my other profession (sole worker - no employees - a;; 1099 income) and have always used my Social Security # when filing taxes. But I feel comfortable doing that, since I'm sending the info to the IRS.

If I begin to book more and more corporate, and they each want a W-9, then if I use my social security # on all of these, this private information is being spread far and wide. It makes me feel more vulnerable.

So ... can I/should I apply for and use the EIN (employee identification number) instead? The IRS website indicates that individuals can use the social or the EIN but that they prefer individuals use the social.

The IRS site also says that "sole proprietors" should apply for the EIN.

Anybody have any experience/input either way??

THANKS!

It's easy & free to get the EIN #. I use it all the time w/o a problem.