Leaving Jobs for Self-Employment: Does It Pay Off?
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
A study by Dr. Me'irav HaLel-Lavan found that many Israelis who leave jobs to become self-employed face a reality that differs from their initial expectations. Participants often reframe business difficulties as temporary, increasing personal responsibility. Some found success by combining self-employment with part-time jobs, challenging traditional career path outcomes. The research suggests redefining success as a balance between income, security, and fulfillment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A study found Israelis leaving jobs for self-employment often romanticize their future, facing reality gaps later.
- Motivations for leaving jobs include boredom, lack of fulfillment, and workplace pressures.
- Participants often reframe business difficulties as temporary, increasing personal responsibility.
- Some individuals successfully combine self-employment with part-time jobs for income stability.
- Self-employment can blur work-life boundaries, creating emotional and practical challenges.
- Success is redefined as finding a balance between income, security, and self-fulfillment.
A new qualitative study by Dr. Me'irav HaLel-Lavan, a senior consultant and researcher on work trends, reveals that individuals who leave stable employment to become self-employed often develop a romanticized view of their future, which clashes with reality.
The study, which followed participants for 1.5 to 2 years after their career change, found that while initial motivations for leaving jobs often stem from boredom, lack of fulfillment, or workplace pressures like long hours and alienation, the transition to self-employment brings its own set of challenges. These include slower-than-expected business growth, unstable income, and a significant gap between initial expectations and daily reality.
Interestingly, instead of viewing these difficulties as failures, many participants reinterpreted their situations. They constructed narratives that justified their current circumstances, often seeing hardships as temporary phases requiring more effort or learning. This perspective, while maintaining a sense of personal agency, also places a heavier burden of responsibility on the individual.
A notable finding is that some individuals found a hybrid solution, returning to part-time or full-time employment to secure a steady income while continuing to develop their businesses. This model challenges the binary outcome of either full business success or a complete return to traditional employment, suggesting a more nuanced career path.
Shema-Zaltokrilov, a researcher and critic, highlights the emotional toll and blurred boundaries between work and personal life that often accompany self-employment. She emphasizes that career changes should be approached realistically, with small, measurable steps, acknowledging that doubts and fatigue are natural parts of significant transitions. Ultimately, the study suggests that success in self-employment is often redefined as finding a personal balance between income, financial security, and self-fulfillment, rather than solely achieving large-scale business success.