Generational differences in self-employment: work characteristics, health, work-family, and satisfaction. (25th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beutell, Nicholas J.; Alstete, Jeffrey W.; Schneer, Joy A.; O'Hare, Marianne M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurship and small business. Volume 43:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2021-06-25
• Subjects: generations -- self-employment -- autonomy -- health -- satisfaction -- turnover intentions; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Small business -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.42105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-1297

Abstract

This paper examines self-employment by generational cohort (millennials, generation X, baby boomers, and matures) in relation to work variables, health variables, work-family variables, and life and job satisfaction. The analyses used data from a national probability sample (n = 738 self-employed), the National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). Significant differences were found between generational groups of self-employed for most of the major study variables (e.g., hours worked, job pressure, work-family conflict). We also found that the study variables (e.g., autonomy, turnover intentions) predicted job satisfaction in self-employment. Limitations, implications, and directions for future research are discussed.