The Well-Being Trajectories of Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Scholars and entrepreneurs alike lament the lack of understanding of entrepreneurial well-being despite mounting evidence that their well- being can have a profound effect on entrepreneurs and their ventures. This study explores how patterns of entrepreneurial well-being determine the trajectories of entrepreneurial well-being and entrepreneurship outcomes through a multiple case study design of entrepreneurs. Utilizing a well-being and job crafting theoretical framework, our findings reveal that there are two different trajectories as entrepreneurs move through the process of balancing their entrepreneurial journeys with their well-being. First, the integrating well-being, which describes entrepreneurial well-being trajectories emphasizing consistency and stability in well-being; and secondly, the delaying well-being trajectory which describes entrepreneurial well-being trajectories that move through rises and falls in well-being in relation to entrepreneurial activities. Our findings reveal several overarching dimensions that lead to these divergent trajectories: well-being mindsets, social resources, crafting work, and well-being outcomes. In the paper, we discuss the theoretical and practical significance of the results concerning entrepreneurial well-being trajectories.