Self-determination. I loved working for myself and being my own boss.
41%
For my sanity. I disliked my other job and found self-employment more fulfilling.
27%
Employers not paying enough. I could only make ends meet through self-employment.
26%
To stretch myself. Self-employment pushed me further than life as an employee.
23%
Lack of other opportunities. Self-employment was the best way to create opportunities.
22%
Housing costs. I needed multiple jobs to pay the rent/mortgage.
21%
Credit card debt. I needed to become self-employed to pay it off.
17%
Lost a job. I was initially forced into self-employment to generate income.
11%
Student loan debt. Self-employment was the only way to get ahead.
10%
None of the above
7%
Sample: 462 US business owners (age 18+) who describe their business as a side-hustle