Entrepreneurship and Happiness: Exploring the Nexus Between Lifestyle, Job Satisfaction and Subjective Well-being

Abstract

The present study delves into the less explored relation between entrepreneurship and happiness and aims to deepen our understanding on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial activities and lifestyle, and subjective well-being. A sample of 13 interviews conducted with entrepreneurs in Portugal was analyzed by a combination of qualitative interviews. By relying on self-reports to gauge the entrepreneurs’ perception of their own emotional state, the research has found that happiness extends beyond the traditional scope of objective well-being and is closely linked to their cognitive and emotional experiences, such as life satisfaction and emotional balance. The results show that entrepreneurs scored higher on happiness levels than the country average, even spending most of their week, weekends and holidays at work. Despite the long hours, more than half of the entrepreneurs did not feel they were missing valuable time with family and friends. However, they did acknowledge not having the most balanced and healthiest lifestyle reflected in a higher propensity to experience stress that could have further implications in mental health. These insights are central to understanding the nexus between entrepreneurship and well-being when factors such as on lifestyle, motivation and job satisfaction come into play, and the broader implications for entrepreneurial success.