New research from Oregon State University suggests going into business for yourself might provide a more fulfilling career. 

“Self-employed workers achieve much higher levels of satisfaction than their waged counterparts,” said Clay Dibrell, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Business.

OSU researchers analyzed data on 7,000 Australian workers for their report, and will launch a similar study in the United States to see if results are similar.

The Australian study showed that self-employed workers are more satisfied in life conditions, employment opportunities, financial situation, personal safety, in feeling part of the community, personal health, and the neighborhood in which they reside.  

Research also revealed employees were more satisfied with their free time, possibly because the self-employed always feel responsible for their business.

Given the similar social and economic structure between Australia and the U.S., Dibrell expects a parallel outcome in the upcoming research. 

Dibrell said OSU researchers will conduct a comparative study in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany

Scholars and economists are beginning to pay attention to the factors that contribute to a person’s overall well-being, as a happier worker is often a more productive worker.