Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Quick Statistics*

Of employed Americans…

…39% are completely satisfied with their jobs (compared to 58% of self-employed Americans).

…30% are dissatisfied with the amount of money they earn.

…29% are dissatisfied with the retirement plan their employer offers.

…25% are not satisfied with the recognition they receive at work for their accomplishments.

…11% are not satisfied with their boss or immediate supervisor.

The reasons for self-employment are numerous and varied. Among the most often mentioned are:

Desire to be one’s own boss

Desire for financial independence

Desire for personal financial gain

Desire to distance oneself from the politics, red tape, and bureaucracy of the large company

Desire of creative freedom

Desire to fully use one’s own talents, skills, and knowledge

Desire for fame and recognition

Desire to actively and directly participate in all aspects of a business

Desire to live in a particular city or area

Desire to work at home

Desire to win, achieve, accomplish

Desire to fulfill a need in the community

Desire for work that is fun, exciting, and immediately rewarding

All prospective entrepreneurs have their own unique set of motivations that may include all, some, or none of those mentioned above. However, many admit that the challenge of starting and running a business is one of the most appealing features of the endeavor.