How are we defining self-employed in this series?
Definition of Self-employed -
": earning income directly from one's own business, trade, or profession rather than as a specified salary or wages from an employer”
Self-employed. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-employed
There is a very different professional situation for a self-employed person who operates as their own safety net. No guaranteed paycheck, no benefits. Self-employment is a joy for those who value autonomy and possess high levels of self-discipline. From Bloomberg Businessweek, “self-employed people are happier with their jobs than the wage-employed. According to the Pew report, "Nearly four-in-ten self-employed workers (39%) say they are 'completely satisfied' with their jobs, compared with 28% of all wage or salaried employees." This is consistent with earlier studies showing that, in a wide range of countries, a higher percentage of the self-employed are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs than the wage employed.” (http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/apr2010/sb2010041_151187.htm)
Why are we referring to the series as self-employment ecstasy?
Because the data shares that this group (self-employed) are happier than the non self-employed.
Definition of Ecstasy -
“a state of very great happiness : extreme delight”
Ecstasy. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecstasy
Due to the higher levels of happiness for self-employed individuals, this series in entitled, SELF-EMPLOYMENT ECSTASY™!
In this series we will explore that small percentage (about 11% in the US as per Pew Research at http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2009/09/17/take-this-job-and-love-it/). The population of self-employed in the US is also decreasing. “For the first century of its existence, the United States economy was dominated by independent workers. […] Self-employed farmers, ranchers, hunters, fishermen, and loggers made up more than 8% of the workforce in the late 1940s. Now it’s less than 1%.” (http://blogs.hbr.org/2014/02/where-are-all-the-self-employed-workers/)
This small minority of individuals has unique and often overlooked challenges and motivations. From Pew Research [...]