A growing wave of American workers are rethinking their careers, with nearly 8 in 10 employed individuals expressing interest in launching their own businesses, according to a recent nationwide survey.Â
This entrepreneurial surge is especially strong among Generation Z, who are moving toward greater autonomy, flexible work, and personal fulfillment outside traditional corporate structures.
In fact, 13% of Gen Z and 11% of millennials plan to leave their current jobs within the next 12 months to pursue self-employment.Â
Motivations include the desire for work flexibility, increased earning potential, and meaningful purpose — factors younger workers prioritize more than previous generations. Many are inspired not by company executives but by social media influencers and content creators, who often model entrepreneurial success.
Despite widespread enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, significant hurdles remain. Only 21% of workers feel fully supported by their employers in advancing their careers, while nearly a third receive no professional development support at all. Industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, and technology report particularly low rates of employee support, which may be accelerating departures.
Financial concerns weigh heavily on those contemplating the leap. About one-third say they would need to earn at least $100,000 annually to confidently transition to full-time business ownership. Common fears include economic uncertainty, risk of failure, and loss of benefits like health insurance.
The shift away from corporate jobs is already visible. Almost half of workers are juggling side projects or small businesses with hopes of eventually replacing their traditional income streams.Â
Marketing, finance, and government sectors show the highest numbers of employees preparing to make the jump, with additional pressure from AI-related job disruption fears.
This growing entrepreneurial mindset signals a transformation in the workforce, where younger generations are reshaping what career success will look like in the future of work — favoring independence, purpose, and control over their futures.
