How will I be viewed by an employer if I choose to do my own research?
well... you can't escape having a thesis director/advisor, nor do you wish to escape having a thesis director.  You may end up working with someone who will let you what you want, but choose wisely as this is not guaranteed at all;  a scholarship will allow you greater freedom in this choice.  A good advisor will suggest a project that will challenge you and force you to "up your game".

It seems you me more than anything you are putting the cart before the horse.  The person(s) you want to impress in the short term is your advisor and/or members of your supervisory committee.  Your job prospects will be greatly improved if you can get an outstanding reference letter from your advisor or someone from the supervisory committee who can speak with authority to the strength of research project: this argument alone quite clearly favours doing a research project under competent supervision.